‘Manaba’, Alleged Los Lobos Leader, Captured in Ecuadorian Military Operation

In the Los Ríos province of Ecuador, military forces apprehended Francisco A. V., known by the alias ‘Manaba’, during a military operation in the canton of Puebloviejo on August 23, 2026. The Ecuadorian Army identified him as a high-value target.

The operation, codenamed ‘Impacto Letal’ (Lethal Impact), took place in the Los Troncos sector. According to Military Intelligence, the detainee is suspected of being the leader of the Los Lobos organized crime group within the province.

During the operation, military personnel reported finding several items, including a .38 caliber revolver, two live rounds, six armed explosive devices, 70 grams of marijuana, 50 grams of "creepy" (a term often used for high-potency marijuana), and 300 grams of cocaine base paste. The military report did not specify if these items were found directly in ‘Manaba’s’ possession or the exact location of their discovery.

Military intelligence suggests that ‘Manaba’ is allegedly linked to various serious crimes, including terrorism, contract killing (sicariato), illegal possession and carrying of firearms, extortion, kidnapping, and drug trafficking. He is also reportedly connected to bus and truck hijackings. These alleged connections will need to be determined through the judicial process. Following the operation, ‘Manaba’ was handed over to the competent authorities for legal proceedings. No charges have been formally filed, nor have any measures against him been announced.