Nigerien armed forces have captured a senior figure of the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM), also known as Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), during a targeted operation in the country’s troubled western region.
According to state broadcaster Télé Sahel, the arrest, which authorities describe as a “major breakthrough” in the fight against terrorism, took place on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at approximately 6:30 p.m. along the Toro-Dignami road in the Tillabéri region.
The suspect, flagged while traveling in a suspicious vehicle, was apprehended based on an intelligence-led operation under “Operation NIYA.” A search of the vehicle yielded a firearm, multiple mobile phones, and 5.32 million CFA francs in cash – believed to be intended for purchasing logistical supplies for the jihadist group.
Subsequent investigations led security forces to the village of Boborgou, where they uncovered a hidden logistics base used by JNIM. The site contained food supplies, communication devices, camouflage materials, including black straws and additional stores of pasta hidden in a local school repurposed as a supply depot.
Authorities further suspect the arrested individual of involvement in the hijacking of two IAS vehicles on the Makalondi-Niakatiré road just one day prior to his capture.
© WAVN
