Five suspected collaborators linked to bandit and terrorist groups have been arrested by troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD in Niger State, as security forces intensified efforts to dismantle criminal intelligence and logistics networks across the region.
The arrests were made during separate operations conducted by troops of the Joint Task Force (North Central) Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD in parts of Niger State, leading to the recovery of communication devices, cash and other materials believed to be connected to criminal activities.
In the first operation, troops conducting a routine fighting patrol along the Doro axis in Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area, intercepted and arrested three suspected informants on June 6, 2026.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly associated with a bandit group operating around Duru community on the fringes of the Kainji Lake National Park, an area that has witnessed increased security operations in recent months.
Items recovered from the suspects included two Tecno keypad mobile phones, an MP3 device and a cash sum of ₦113,400.
Military authorities disclosed that the MP3 device contained recorded messages allegedly promoting criminal activities, including claims of a kidnapping operation in Kaduna State and the collection of a ₦60 million ransom.
According to the military, the suspects and recovered exhibits are currently in custody while investigations continue to identify and apprehend other members of the network.
In a related operation, troops of the 221 Battalion under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD arrested two additional suspects during a routine patrol along the perimeter fence of a military cantonment.
Investigators believe the suspects were deployed to conduct reconnaissance and gather information on military activities within the area.
Further examination of one of the suspects’ mobile devices reportedly uncovered a photograph of a deceased individual believed to have been killed by terrorists, raising concerns about possible links to violent extremist elements.
Recovered from the suspects were an Android mobile phone, a Tecno keypad phone, a motorcycle and ₦86,100 in cash.
The suspects remain in military custody as investigations continue.
Speaking on the operations, the Acting Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North Central) Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Captain Jamilu Yahaya, said the arrests highlighted the determination of troops to target not only armed criminals but also those providing them with intelligence and logistical support.
”The successful arrests underscore the commitment of troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dismantling criminal and terrorist support networks across the Joint Operations Area,” he said.
According to him, intelligence-driven operations remain a critical component of ongoing efforts to deny criminal groups freedom of movement and operational capability.
”Our troops remain vigilant and proactive in identifying, tracking and neutralising individuals who provide support to bandits and terrorist elements operating within the region,” Yahaya stated.
He noted that disrupting informant networks was essential to weakening the operational effectiveness of criminal groups.
”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,” he added.
Captain Yahaya further assured residents that troops would continue to intensify patrols, surveillance and intelligence-gathering operations across vulnerable areas.
”We will continue to pursue all individuals involved in criminal activities and their support structures. Ongoing investigations will assist in identifying additional collaborators and dismantling the wider network,” he said.
The latest arrests form part of sustained military operations aimed at degrading banditry, terrorism and other forms of criminality across the North-Central region, particularly in remote communities and forest corridors often exploited by criminal groups.
Troops Arrest Five Suspected Bandit Informants in Niger
