By our Reporter
Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Savannah Shield have arrested five suspected bandit and terrorist informants in separate operations across Niger State, recovering communication devices, cash and other items believed to be linked to criminal activities.
The arrests were made during intelligence-driven patrols conducted by troops operating under the task force in different parts of the state.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer of the task force, Jamilu Muhammed Yahaya, three of the suspects were apprehended on June 6, 2026, during a routine fighting patrol along the Doro axis in Wawa, located in Borgu Local Government Area.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly members of a bandit group operating around Duru, along the fringes of the Kainji Lake National Park.
Items recovered from the suspects included two Tecno keypad phones, an MP3 device containing recorded propaganda and inciting messages, as well as a cash sum of ₦113,400.
Military authorities disclosed that the audio recordings allegedly contained claims of the abduction of an individual in Kaduna State and the collection of a ₦60 million ransom.
The suspects and recovered items are currently in military custody while investigations continue and efforts are intensified to apprehend other members of the criminal network.
In a separate operation, troops of the 221 Battalion under Operation Savannah Shield arrested two additional suspected informants during a routine patrol along the perimeter fence of a military cantonment.
Initial investigations indicated that the suspects had allegedly been deployed to gather intelligence and conduct reconnaissance on the military facility.
Further examination of one of the suspects’ mobile phones reportedly uncovered a photograph of a beheaded individual dated May 2, 2026, which security officials said could indicate links to terrorist activities.
Items recovered from the suspects included an Android mobile phone, a Tecno keypad phone, a motorcycle and cash amounting to ₦86,100.
The two suspects and the recovered exhibits remain in custody pending further investigation.
The Joint Task Force said the arrests demonstrate its determination to dismantle criminal and terrorist support networks operating within its area of responsibility.
It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on bandits, terrorists and their collaborators, while continuing efforts to deny criminal elements freedom of operation across the North-Central region.
The military urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations aimed at enhancing peace and security.
