Troops of the Nigerian military have apprehended a suspected notorious terrorist, identified as Auta Maikyala, in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, as security forces step up operations to dismantle terrorist networks in Zamfara State.
The suspect was arrested on November 5 at a hospital in Kagarko town during an intelligence-driven operation involving troops of Sector 1, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, working alongside operatives of the Department of State Services.
According to a statement released on Friday by the Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Captain Tamuno Sinivie, Maikyala was arrested while receiving treatment for a gunshot injury allegedly sustained during a confrontation with members of a rival faction.
The military disclosed that preliminary investigations linked the suspect to several criminal activities, including attacks on communities, kidnapping and cattle rustling. It added that he was being held in custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Meanwhile, troops operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have intensified offensives against terrorist enclaves in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State as part of efforts to weaken the operational capacity of armed groups in the region.
The military said troops carried out clearance operations on November 5 across Aljummu Hausa, Aljummu Fulani and Tunga Magaji villages, successfully clearing several hideouts believed to have been used by terrorists.
According to the statement, the operations were designed to dismantle criminal bases, disrupt the activities of armed groups and restore security to communities affected by persistent threats.
In a related operation, the Air Component of the Nigerian Air Force launched airstrikes against suspected terrorist positions in Babban Doka and Kuyumbana Forest, both located in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The military explained that the air interdiction missions followed intelligence reports indicating that suspected terrorists had gathered at the locations to organise and coordinate criminal operations. The targeted sites were believed to be linked to wanted terrorist leader, Dogo Gide.
It further stated that troops were maintaining operational dominance across the affected areas, stressing that the military would continue its offensive operations against armed groups throughout the Joint Operations Area.
The military also called on residents to support ongoing security operations by providing security agencies with credible and timely intelligence on suspected terrorists, their movements and criminal activities, noting that public cooperation remained essential to protecting lives and property.
