The Nigerian military has announced the arrest of the wife of a wanted terrorist leader and the recovery of N37 million during operations conducted across the country.

 

 

Speaking at a weekly briefing, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said troops arrested 20 suspected terrorists between February 13 and 19, 2026.

 

Among those arrested was Aisha Auta, the wife of a wanted terrorist ring leader.

She was apprehended by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State on February 19.

 

 

Onoja said the arrest followed credible intelligence regarding terrorist activities in Kumeh village.

“In a notable encounter on February 19, 2026, following information about terrorist activities at Kumeh village in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Benue State, troops mobilised to the area and engaged the terrorists,” he said.

 

“During the fierce exchange, troops neutralised terrorists while others escaped with gunshot injuries. Troops subsequently exploited the general area and recovered caches of arms and ammunition.

 

“Overall, these operations yielded significant outcomes, including the arrest of 11 terrorists, among them Aisha Auta, the wife of a notorious wanted terrorist ring leader whose capture is expected to yield valuable intelligence on network structures and financing.”

 

The military also rescued 39 kidnapped victims during the period under review.