Troops from the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), have arrested a suspected terrorist kingpin in Kaduna State while simultaneously intensifying air and ground clearance operations in Zamfara State. The military announced the developments in a statement issued on Friday, 16 November, confirming the apprehension of a notorious criminal and the dismantling of several hideouts in the region.
According to the statement, troops from Sector 1, working in conjunction with operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), apprehended a suspect identified as Auta Maikyala on 5 November 2026. The arrest took place at a hospital in Kagarko town, Kagarko Local Government Area, where the suspect had reportedly sought medical attention for a gunshot wound sustained during an encounter with a rival faction.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is an alleged notorious criminal who has been involved in several attacks on communities, kidnapping and cattle rustling operations. He is currently in custody for further investigation and prosecution.
In parallel operations in Zamfara State, OPFY forces conducted ground clearance missions on the same day in Aljummu Hausa, Aljummu Fulani, and Tunga Magaji villages within Maradun Local Government Area. The military stated that these operations have resulted in the clearance of several terrorist hideouts, thereby restricting the activities of criminal elements and enhancing security for residents in the affected communities.
The Air Component of the Nigerian Air Force also conducted air interdiction operations against identified terrorist locations in Babban Doka and Kuyumbana Forest, Maru Local Government Area. These strikes targeted areas suspected to be associated with the wanted terrorist kingpin Dogo Gide, following credible intelligence indicating that terrorists were assembling in the area to plan and coordinate criminal activities.
Captain Tamuno Sinivie, the Acting Media Information Officer for OPFY, stated that the operation will sustain its operational tempo and aggressive posture to protect lives and property across the Joint Operations Area. The public has been urged to support ongoing security efforts by providing timely and credible information on suspected terrorists to assist security agencies in eliminating criminal threats from their communities.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
