RismadarVoice Reporters
November 6, 2026
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have arrested a suspected terrorist in Kaduna State, intensifying ground and air operations against criminal hideouts in Zamfara State.
The suspect, identified as Auta Maikyala, was apprehended on November 5 during an intelligence-led operation conducted by troops of Sector 1 in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The Acting Media Information Officer of the task force, Captain Tamuno Sinivie, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday.
According to Sinivie, Maikyala was arrested at a hospital in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where he had reportedly gone to receive treatment for a gunshot wound.
The military alleged that the injury was sustained during a confrontation with a rival criminal faction.
Preliminary investigations reportedly linked the suspect to attacks on communities, kidnapping and cattle rustling.
Sinivie said Maikyala remained in custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.
In a separate operation, troops intensified clearance activities across several communities in Zamfara State as part of efforts to dismantle suspected terrorist hideouts.
The task force said soldiers conducted operations on November 5 in Aljummu Hausa, Aljummu Fulani and Tunga Magaji villages in Maradun Local Government Area.
According to the military, the operations resulted in the clearance of several hideouts believed to have been used by armed groups operating in the area.
The task force maintained that the operations were intended to restrict criminal movements and improve security for residents.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force conducted air interdiction operations against suspected terrorist locations in Babban Doka and Kuyumbana Forest in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The military said the targeted locations were believed to be associated with wanted terrorist leader Dogo Gide.
According to Sinivie, the air operations followed intelligence indicating that suspected terrorists were gathering in the area to plan and coordinate attacks.
However, the task force did not disclose casualty figures or provide an independently verified assessment of damage resulting from the airstrikes.
The military said troops were maintaining an operational presence across the affected areas to prevent criminal groups from regrouping.
Operation Fansan Yamma reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the North-West.
The task force also urged residents to provide timely and credible information on suspected criminal activities to support ongoing security operations.
