Troops of Joint Task Force Operation Savannah Shield (OPSS) 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 made during routine patrol operations conducted on June 6, 2026, in different parts of the state, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Media Information Officer of the task force, Captain Jamilu Muhammed Yahaya.

Three of the suspects were apprehended by troops conducting a fighting patrol along the Doro axis in Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were members of a bandit group operating in Duru along the fringes of the Kainji Lake National Park.

Items recovered from the suspects included two Tecno keypad phones, an MP3 device containing recorded propaganda and inciting messages, and a cash sum of ₦113,400. The military said the recordings contained claims of the abduction of an individual in Kaduna State and the collection of a ₦60 million ransom.

In a separate operation, troops of the 221 Battalion under JTF-NC OPSS arrested two other suspected informants during a routine patrol along the perimeter fence of a military cantonment.

According to the task force, preliminary investigations showed that the suspects had been deployed to gather intelligence on activities within the cantonment.

Further examination of one of the suspects’ mobile phones reportedly uncovered a photograph of a beheaded individual dated May 2, 2026, suggesting possible links to terrorist activities.

Items recovered from the two suspects included an Android mobile phone, a Tecno keypad phone, a motorcycle and ₦86,100 in cash.

The military said all five suspects and the recovered exhibits are currently in custody for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest other members of the criminal network.

Captain Yahaya said the arrests demonstrate the commitment of Operation Savannah Shield troops to dismantling criminal and terrorist support networks across the Joint Operations Area.

He added that the task force remains determined to deny criminal elements freedom of action and sustain pressure on threats to peace and security in the region.