The Nigerian military has arrested the wife of a wanted terrorist ring leader and recovered ₦37 million during sustained operations carried out across the country between February 13 and 19, 2026.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this during his weekly briefing on ongoing military operations nationwide. He said troops recorded major successes in different theatres of operation, including the arrest of 20 suspected terrorists and the rescue of 39 kidnapped victims.
According to Maj.-Gen. Onoja, one of the most notable arrests was that of Aisha Auta, the wife of a notorious wanted terrorist ring leader. She was arrested on February 19 by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
He explained that troops received information about terrorist activities in Kumeh village in Katsina-Ala LGA. Soldiers under Sector 1 of the operation, deployed at Abaji and Katsina-Ala, quickly mobilised to the area and engaged the terrorists.
“In a fierce exchange of fire, troops neutralised some of the terrorists while others escaped with gunshot injuries,” Onoja said.
After the encounter, the troops searched the area and recovered several arms and ammunition of different calibres. In total, 11 suspects were arrested in that operation alone, including Aisha Auta.
Onoja said the arrest of Auta is important because it is expected to provide useful information about the structure of the terrorist network and how it is financed. Security experts have often said that cutting off funding and supply chains is key to weakening terrorist groups.
Operation Whirl Stroke was set up to tackle armed banditry, communal clashes and terrorist activities in Benue and neighbouring states. Benue State, especially Katsina-Ala and surrounding areas, has experienced years of violent attacks linked to armed groups and criminal gangs.
In another development, troops on routine patrol along the Maiduguri–Magumeri road in Borno State intercepted five suspected individuals in possession of ₦37 million in cash.
The interception took place on February 16, 2026.
According to Onoja, the suspects claimed the money was meant for distribution to vulnerable communities on behalf of the international non-governmental organisation, Action Against Hunger.
However, the military said the individuals and the seized funds have been taken into custody for verification and investigation. Authorities want to confirm the legitimacy of the transaction and ensure that the money is not linked to terrorist financing or diversion of humanitarian aid.
The North-East has long faced serious humanitarian challenges due to over a decade of insurgency. Millions of people have been displaced, and many communities depend on support from government agencies and international aid groups. Because of this, security agencies are cautious about large cash movements in conflict areas.
In recent years, there have been concerns about the diversion of humanitarian assistance and the possibility of terrorist groups benefiting from such funds. The military has repeatedly warned that it will investigate any suspicious financial movement in areas affected by insurgency.
On February 19, following a tip-off about the movement of terrorist logistics in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, troops arrested one Mallam Dauda Usman Gubula at Madagali Motor Park.
Items recovered from him included two drones and 20 solar power banks.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the suspect is currently in custody for further investigation. Security officials believe that drones and solar equipment can be used by terrorist groups for surveillance and communication, especially in remote areas where electricity supply is limited.
Madagali is one of the areas in Adamawa State that has suffered repeated attacks by insurgent groups in the past.
Maj.-Gen. Onoja said troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, known as Operation Hadin Kai, continue to maintain pressure on terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province.
He said the sustained operations have denied the groups freedom of movement and disrupted their activities across the region.
The North-East has been the epicentre of insurgency since 2009, when Boko Haram began an armed campaign against the Nigerian state. Over the years, the conflict has led to thousands of deaths and widespread destruction of property. The emergence of ISWAP as a breakaway faction further complicated the security situation.
Despite several military offensives, the groups continue to carry out attacks, including ambushes on troops and assaults on rural communities. However, the Defence Headquarters insists that recent operations have significantly weakened their capacity.
In the North-West, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma have focused on disrupting networks responsible for mass abductions, cattle rustling and attacks on villages across several states.
Banditry and kidnapping for ransom have become major security challenges in states such as Zamfara, Katsina and Kaduna. Schools, highways and farming communities have been frequent targets.
To strengthen operations in the zone, the Zamfara State Government on February 18, 2026, donated 25 armoured personnel carriers to support troops.
Onoja conveyed the appreciation of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, to the Zamfara State Government for the gesture. He said the vehicles would improve mobility and protection for soldiers during operations.
The Defence Headquarters said the military remains committed to protecting lives and property across the country. Onoja urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
Security analysts say intelligence from communities has played a key role in recent arrests and seizures. They note that cooperation between civilians and security forces is essential in tackling terrorism and banditry.
While challenges remain, the military believes that sustained operations, improved equipment and stronger partnerships with state governments will help restore peace in troubled regions.
For many Nigerians living in affected areas, the rescue of kidnapped victims and arrest of suspects offer some hope. However, residents continue to call for lasting solutions that will address the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment and weak local governance.
