Troops arrest wife of wanted terror kingpin in Benue

The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that troops arrested the woman of a wanted violent kingpin during coordinated nationwide operations.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this portion briefing Defence Correspondents connected the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s activities conducted betwixt February 13 and 19, 2026.

He revealed that Aisha Auta, spouse of a notorious violent leader, was among 20 suspects apprehended successful assorted theatres of operation.

According to him, Aisha was taken into custody connected February 19, 2026, by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke successful Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

He noted that her husband’s eventual apprehension could supply captious quality connected violent financing and operational networks.

Providing further details, Gen. Onoja said:

“In a notable brushwood connected 19 February 2026, pursuing accusation astir violent activities astatine Kumeh colony successful Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, troops of Sector 1 Operation WHIRL STROKE deployed astatine Abaji/Katsina Ala mobilised to the country and engaged the terrorists.

“During the fierce exchange, troops neutralised terrorists portion others escaped with gunshot injuries and Troops subsequently exploited the wide country and recovered caches of arms and ammunition of assorted calibres.

“Overall, these operations yielded important outcomes, including th...