Nigeria and Benin Republic forces have repelled terrorist ambush and successfully detonated multiple Improvise Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted along troops withdrawal route between Gulbi and Sabon Gari communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, demonstrating strength of regional security cooperation.

The troops during the encounter neutralised scores of terrorists and recovered 15 motorcycles and 253 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition but four soldiers sustained minor injuries, while some equipment were temporarily immobilised.

The Director Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, said the troops were deployed at Audu Fari on 30 May 2026, in conjunction with FOB Babanna, for the conduct of a fighting patrol to Gulbi community in Borgu LGA of Niger State, to clear the area of terrorist activities when they encountered the ambush.

Speaking during his weekly news briefing on military activities across Theatres nationwide, Onoja said the troops also arrested one Ali Hamidu, a known terrorist informant who had participated in attack at Kwankesso community in Koro community, Kainji, in Borgu LGA of Niger State.

“The suspect, who had been evading security forces across multiple locations including Shafashi village and Kaoje community in Kebbi State, was apprehended and is currently in custody for further action,” he said, adding that the troops of Operation Savannah Shield conducted aggressive fighting patrols in Niger and Kwara States, between May 29 and June 4, 2026, recording significant successes.

The ’MO said that during the period, the military killed over seven terrorists, arrested over 34 and rescued 14 kidnapped victims.

He added that through highly synchronised operations, troops neutralised hostile elements, dismantled insurgent enclaves, intercepted illicit armaments, and rescued numerous citizens, and significantly degraded criminal capabilities nationwide.

Meanwhile, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) have arrested a suspected arms courier and recovered over 1,000 round of ammunition and a locally made pistol concealed in a sack containing millet in a vehicle moving towards Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The suspect, a 42-year-old-man identified as Mustapha Abubakar, is believed to be involved in the illegal movement of arms and ammunition to terrorists operating within the North West region.

Spokesman for Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja, confirmed that the suspect has been taken into custody and all recovered exhibits secured for further investigation.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect was en route to deliver the items to an accomplice. Consequently, efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network.”

Danja added that troops of Sector 1 OPFY on 3 June 2026 foiled attempted cattle rustling in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State following a distress call from a local herder whose cattle had been rustled by armed criminals and recovered 53 cattle which had been handed over to the rightful owner.

He said the troops mobilised and positioned along the suspected escape route of the rustlers as they attempted to move the stolen livestock out of the area, adding that the ensuing firefight forced the rustlers to abandon the cattle and flee into nearby bushes under intense military pressure. (The Guardian)

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