Troops have arrested the second-in-command to a notorious bandit kingpin, Kachalla Auta, alongside his wife in Gombe State following an intelligence-led tracking operation across multiple locations.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the development through his official X handle on Thursday, noting that the operation was based on sustained intelligence surveillance and coordinated ground tracking of fleeing members of the criminal network.

According to sources cited by Makama, the suspects were identified as Bala, popularly known as “Pakapaka,” and his wife, Zulaha Bala. They were reportedly intercepted after fleeing from Dajin Madam Forest in Plateau State.

The arrest, according to security sources, followed weeks of monitoring movements of suspected members of the group who had dispersed from their forest hideouts following intensified military pressure across parts of the North-Central region.

The suspects are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation to determine their level of involvement in the group’s activities, as well as possible connections with other cells operating within and outside the region.

In a related development, troops conducted follow-up patrols around Bayar village in the Duguri axis after intelligence reports indicated that the main bandit kingpin had fled into the area.

However, no contact was made during the search operation.

Security sources added that troops have continued to maintain a strong presence in the general area, with sustained patrols aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of movement and disrupting their operational networks across Plateau, Taraba, and adjoining states. (The Guardian)