Troops arrest wife of wanted terrorist in Benue

The military authorities have confirmed the arrest of the spouse of a high-profile terrorist leader during coordinated security operations carried out nationwide.

According to the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Aisha Auta, wife of a notorious and wanted terrorist commander was among 20 suspects apprehended in joint offensives conducted between February 13 and 19, 2026.

Briefing Defence Correspondents, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, revealed that Aisha was captured on February 19 by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

He stated that intelligence gathered from her arrest could provide critical insight into terrorist network coordination and funding channels.

Providing details, Gen. Onoja said:

“In a notable encounter on 19 February 2026, following information about terrorist activities at Kumeh village in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, troops of Sector 1 Operation WHIRL STROKE deployed at Abaji/Katsina Ala mobilised to the area and engaged the terrorists.

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

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

The Defence spokesman further disclosed that 39 abducted victims were freed within the same period.