Troops nab suspected terrorists, informants in Niger operations

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Nigerian troops have apprehended five suspected bandits/terrorists informants with recovery of communication devices, cash, and other items linking the suspects to criminal activities in different operations in Niger State.

Captain Jamilu Yahaya, the acting Media Information Officer Headquarters Joint Task Force (North Central) Operation SAVANNAH Shield revealed this in a statement on Sunday.

Jamilu said three of the suspects were arrested by troops during routine fighting patrol along the Doro axis in Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State on 6 June 2026.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were members of a bandit group operating in Duru, along the fringes of Kainji Lake National Park.

He listed the items recovered from them to include two Tecno keypad phones, one MP3 device containing recorded propaganda and inciting messages claiming the abduction of an individual in Kaduna State and the collection of a ransom of N60 million as well as a cash sum of ₦113,400.00.

‘The suspects and recovered exhibits are currently in custody for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal network,” Jamilu said.

In the same vein, the spokesperson revealed that troops of 221 Battalion under JTF-NC OPSS, while on routine patrol along the cantonment perimeter fence, apprehended two suspected bandits/terrorists informants.

He said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had been deployed as reconnaissance elements to gather information on the cantonment.

According to the Army statement, further examination of one of the suspects’ mobile phones led to the discovery of a photograph showing a beheaded individual, dated 2 May 2026, indicating possible links to terrorist activities.

Jamilu said one Android mobile phone, one Tecno keypad phone, one motorcycle, and a cash sum of ₦86,100.00 were recovered from the who have been taken into custody for further investigation.

“The successful arrests underscore the commitment of troops of Operation Savannah Shield to dismantling criminal and terrorist support networks across the Joint Operations Area.

“The Task Force remains resolute in its mandate to deny criminal elements freedom of action and sustain pressure on all threats to peace and security within the region,” Jamilu said.