The Nigerian military has arrested the wife of a wanted terrorist kingpin and recovered ₦37 million in cash during a series of coordinated operations carried out nationwide between February 13 and 19, 2026.
The suspect, identified as Aisha Auta, was apprehended on February 19 by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. Her arrest was confirmed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, during a weekly briefing on ongoing military activities across the country.
According to Onoja, the operation followed credible intelligence about terrorist activity in Kumeh village within Katsina-Ala LGA. Troops from Sector 1 of Operation Whirl Stroke, deployed from the Abaji/Katsina-Ala axis, mobilised to the area and engaged the terrorists in a gun battle. Several insurgents were neutralised during the clash, while others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds. A follow-up search of the area led to the recovery of various arms and ammunition.
In total, 11 suspected terrorists were arrested in the operation, including Aisha Auta. The military believes her arrest could provide critical intelligence on the structure and financing of the terrorist network led by her husband.
Maj.-Gen. Onoja also disclosed that troops rescued 39 kidnapped victims during separate operations within the same period.
In another development, soldiers on routine patrol along the Maiduguri–Magumeri road on February 16 intercepted five individuals found with ₦37 million in cash. The suspects claimed the money was intended for distribution to vulnerable communities on behalf of the international humanitarian organisation, Action Against Hunger. However, both the suspects and the funds have been taken into custody pending investigation to verify the legitimacy of the claim and determine whether there are any links to terrorist financing or diversion of aid.
Meanwhile, troops acting on intelligence regarding the movement of terrorist supplies arrested one Mallam Dauda Usman Gubula on February 19 at Madagali Motor Park in Adamawa State. Items recovered from him included two drones and 20 solar power banks. He is currently in custody as investigations continue.
The Defence spokesman further stated that the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation Hadin Kai, sustained pressure on Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), limiting their ability to operate freely and disrupting their activities across the region.
Similarly, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma in the North-West intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in mass kidnappings, cattle rustling, and attacks on rural communities across several states.
Onoja also revealed that the Zamfara State Government donated 25 advanced Armoured Personnel Carriers on February 18, 2026, to strengthen security operations under Operation Fansan Yamma. He conveyed the appreciation of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, to the state government for the support.
