Insecurity: Army captures suspected terrorists informants, recovers cash, devices in Niger
Troops Detain Five Suspected Bandit Informants in Niger State Operations
Troops from the Joint Task Force of Operation Savannah Shield have apprehended five individuals believed to be involved in banditry or serving as informants for terrorist activities during recent operations in Niger State.
In a statement released by Captain Jamilu Muhammed Yahaya, the Acting Media Information Officer at the Joint Task Force (North Central), officials detailed the outcomes of these operations, which included the confiscation of communication devices, cash, and other items linking the suspects to criminal enterprises.
On June 6, 2026, troops conducted a routine patrol along the Doro axis in Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area, resulting in the detention of three individuals with suspected ties to a bandit group active near Duru, adjacent to Kainji Lake National Park. Recovered items included two Tecno keypad phones, an MP3 player containing propaganda material related to an abduction case in Kaduna State, alongside a ransom demand totaling 60 million Naira, and 113,400 Naira in cash. The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, with efforts ongoing to locate additional members of the criminal network.
In a separate operation, troops from the 221 Battalion, while patrolling the border of the cantonment area, detained two additional suspects thought to be informants. Early investigations revealed their intended role as reconnaissance agents aimed at gathering information about the cantonment.
Authorities reported that a search of one suspect’s mobile device revealed a disturbing photograph of a beheaded individual dated May 2, 2026, suggesting potential connections to terrorist activities. Other items seized included one Android phone, another Tecno keypad phone, a motorcycle, and 86,100 Naira in cash. These individuals and the items collected are also under investigation.
The Task Force reaffirmed its dedication to dismantling criminal and terrorist support networks within the region, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring security and curbing the actions of criminal elements.
