Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Savannah Shield have arrested five suspected bandit and terrorist informants in separate operations in Niger State, recovering communication devices, cash and other items believed to be linked to criminal activities.
The arrests were announced in a statement on Sunday by the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation Savannah Shield, Captain Jamilu Muhammed Yahaya.
According to the statement, three suspects were apprehended on June 6 during a fighting patrol along the Doro axis in Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were linked to a bandit group operating in Duru community near the Kainji Lake National Park.
Items recovered from the suspects included two Tecno keypad phones, an MP3 device containing propaganda and inciting audio messages, and N113,400 in cash.
Military authorities said the audio recordings contained claims of the abduction of a victim in Kaduna State and the collection of a N60 million ransom.
The suspects are currently in custody, while efforts are underway to track down other members of the criminal network.
In a separate operation, troops of the 221 Battalion under Operation Savannah Shield arrested two additional suspects during a routine patrol around the perimeter fence of a military cantonment.
Investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly deployed to gather intelligence on the military facility.
A search of one of the suspects’ mobile phones reportedly uncovered a photograph of a beheaded individual dated May 2, 2026, which security officials said suggested possible links to terrorist activities.
Recovered exhibits included an Android phone, a Tecno keypad phone, a motorcycle and N86,100 in cash.
The military said the suspects remain in custody pending the conclusion of investigations.
Operation Savannah Shield described the arrests as a significant step in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal and terrorist support networks operating across the North-Central region.
The task force reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and denying them freedom of operation, while working to enhance security and protect lives and property within its area of responsibility.
(The Whistler)