AfriPulse
June 7 (THEWILL) — Troops of Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Savannah Shield (OPSS) have smashed a suspected terrorist support and intelligence network in Niger State, arresting five suspected bandits and terrorist informants in separate operations that led to the recovery of communication devices, cash, and other materials believed to be linked to criminal activities.
The arrests were made during routine security operations carried out by troops across parts of the state as part of sustained efforts to disrupt criminal networks and deny armed groups operational support within the Joint Operations Area.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by Captain Jamilu Muhammed Yahaya, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North Central) Operation Savannah Shield, three of the suspects were apprehended on June 6, 2026, during a patrol along the Doro axis in Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were allegedly members of a bandit group operating in Duru, located along the fringes of Kainji Lake National Park.
Items recovered from the suspects included two Tecno keypad phones, an MP3 device containing recorded propaganda and inciting messages, and a cash sum of N113,400.
Military authorities said the audio recordings allegedly contained messages claiming responsibility for the abduction of an individual in Kaduna State and the collection of a ransom amounting to N60 million.
The suspects and recovered exhibits are currently in custody for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal network.
In a related development, troops of the 221 Battalion under JTF-NC OPSS arrested two additional suspected bandits and terrorist informants while conducting routine patrols around the cantonment perimeter fence.
Preliminary findings reportedly revealed that the suspects had allegedly been deployed as reconnaissance operatives to gather information on activities within the military formation.
Further examination of one of the suspects’ mobile phones led to the discovery of a photograph showing a beheaded individual dated May 2, 2026, a development security authorities said suggests possible links to terrorist activities.
Recovered from the suspects were one Android mobile phone, one Tecno keypad phone, a motorcycle, and a cash sum of N86,100.
The military said the suspects and recovered exhibits remain in custody as investigations continue.
The successful operations, according to the military, underscore the commitment of troops of Operation Savannah Shield to dismantling criminal and terrorist support networks and sustaining pressure on security threats across the region.
The task force reaffirmed its determination to deny criminal elements freedom of action and maintain operational pressure against all threats to peace and security.
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