After a year on the run, Ecuador's most wanted fugitive, Fito, has been found hiding in a tunnel under his jailed girlfriend's home.

The ruthless gang leader was arrested by armed police at Verónica Narcisa Briones Zambrano's property on Wednesday evening.

His recapture came after his own daughter accidentally revealed his location, giving cops a chance to swoop in.

Fito is now facing extradition to the US at the request of Ecuadorian president Daniel Noboa, who has vowed more notorious gang members 'will fall'.

Meanwhile, Zambrano is currently being held in a Guayaquil prison, according to an intelligence official.