Nigerian troops have arrested a notorious terrorist suspect in Kaduna State following an operation at a military forward operating base, security sources confirmed.
According to military sources, the suspect was intercepted by soldiers stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Afaka while attempting to move through the area.
His arrest is believed to be connected to the ongoing instability among rival armed groups operating across parts of the state.
Preliminary intelligence gathered from the suspect indicates that he recently abandoned a terrorist hideout in Sabon Birni after a violent internal dispute erupted among prominent bandit leaders.
The infighting, sources said, involved factions loyal to notorious commanders identified as Dogo Gide and Kabiru.
A security official familiar with the development said the clashes have triggered movements of fighters across several communities.
“What we are seeing is a serious power struggle among the criminal gangs. Some fighters are fleeing their camps, while others are trying to regroup,” the source said.
Moreover, the official noted that the security forces were able to intercept the suspect as he attempted to escape the conflict zone.
“The troops acted on timely intelligence. His capture is already providing useful leads that could help dismantle parts of the network,” the source added.
Investigators believe the confrontation between the rival factions is unfolding along the Kachia–Kagarko–Chikun corridor, a stretch of Kaduna State that has repeatedly witnessed bandit activity and security operations in recent years.
However, security personnel say the internal rivalry among the armed groups could create opportunities for further breakthroughs.
Analysts within the security establishment believe such divisions often weaken the operational strength of criminal networks.
“The ongoing feud among these groups may expose vulnerabilities within their command structure,” another source explained. “If properly exploited, it could significantly disrupt their operations.”
Meanwhile, the arrested suspect remains in military custody as investigators continue interrogations aimed at uncovering additional intelligence about the structure, logistics and movements of the armed groups operating in the region.