Troops Arrest Five Terrorists’ Informants in Niger, Recover Phones, Cash
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, have arrested five suspected bandits’ and terrorists’ informants in separate operations conducted in Niger State, while also recovered communication devices, cash, and other items linked to criminal activities.
According to a statement by the Task Force, the operations were carried out during routine patrols and perimeter security duties aimed at disrupting criminal intelligence networks and denying armed groups freedom of action.
In the first incident on 6 June 2026, troops conducting a fighting patrol along the Doro axis in Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area, apprehended three suspected informants believed to be working with a bandit group operating around Duru on the fringes of the Kainji Lake National Park.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly part of an information-gathering network supporting criminal operations in the area.
Items recovered from them included two Tecno keypad phones, an MP3 device containing recorded propaganda and inciting messages, and a narration claiming the abduction of an individual in Kaduna State with an alleged ransom payment of ₦60 million. Troops also recovered ₦113,400 in cash.
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The suspects are currently in custody undergoing further interrogation, while efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend other members of the criminal network.
In a separate operation, troops of 221 Battalion under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, while on routine perimeter patrol, arrested two additional suspected informants along the cantonment fence line.
Investigations indicated that the suspects were allegedly deployed as reconnaissance elements tasked with gathering intelligence on military movements and installations.
Further search of one of the suspects’ mobile phones reportedly uncovered a disturbing photograph of a beheaded individual dated 2 May 2026, suggesting possible links to violent criminal activities.
Items recovered from the suspects included one Android phone, one Tecno keypad phone, a motorcycle, and ₦86,100 in cash.
The military said all suspects remain in custody for further investigation, while recovered exhibits are being analysed as part of ongoing intelligence exploitation.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling criminal support structures and sustaining pressure on terrorist and bandit networks across the Joint Operations Area.
It added that troops will continue aggressive patrols and intelligence-driven operations aimed at denying criminals freedom of action and strengthening security across affected communities.
By PRNigeria
