The arrested suspects . @NigerianArmy/X
Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Savannah Shield, have arrested five suspected bandit informants in separate operations across Niger State, recovering mobile phones, cash and other items believed to be linked to criminal activities.
The Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North Central), Operation Savannah Shield, Captain Jamilu Mohammed Yahaya, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on June 7, 2026.
Yahaya said three of the suspects were arrested on June 6 during a routine patrol along the Doro axis in Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area of the state.
According to him, preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects had links to a bandit group operating around Duru, a community near the fringes of the Kainji Lake National Park.
He stated that troops recovered two Tecno keypad phones, an MP3 device and ₦113,400 in cash from the suspects.
The spokesman explained that the MP3 device contained recorded messages and propaganda materials referencing an alleged kidnapping incident in Kaduna State and a reported ransom payment of ₦60 million.
Yahaya added that the suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue, noting that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the network.
In a separate operation, he said troops of the 221 Battalion under JTF North Central arrested two additional suspects while conducting patrols around a cantonment perimeter fence.
He alleged that the suspects were involved in gathering intelligence on military locations and activities for criminal elements.
According to the military spokesman, a search conducted on one of the phones recovered from the suspects revealed an image of a beheaded person dated May 2, 2026, raising further suspicion of possible links to extremist activities.
Items recovered from the suspects, he said, included an Android phone, a Tecno keypad phone, a motorcycle and ₦86,100 in cash.
Yahaya said the suspects are also being held for further investigation.
He noted that the arrests form part of ongoing efforts to dismantle informant networks and weaken the support structures sustaining armed groups in the region.
The spokesman reaffirmed the commitment of Operation Savannah Shield to maintaining pressure on bandits and other criminal elements operating in Niger State and adjoining areas.
