Troops arrest terrorist suppliers, illegal miners

Troops of the Nigerian military have arrested suspected terrorist spies, logistics suppliers, and foreign illegal miners in a series of coordinated anti-terror operations conducted across the North-East and North-Central regions.

The Director, Defence Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, noting that the operations were carried out under Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Savannah Shield through enhanced intelligence-led activities.

According to the statement, among those arrested was a suspected terrorist informant in Mubi Local Government Area of Adamawa State, linked to a previous attack in Ngoshe, Borno State.

Between March 3 and 4, 2026, ISWAP/Boko Haram insurgents reportedly launched a major attack on Ngoshe, killing several persons, abducting over 100 women and children, and destroying facilities.

Onoja said that on March 20, 2026, troops arrested a suspected terrorist spy at an excavation site near the K10 guard post in the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council of Borno State, recovering a mobile phone, power bank, wristwatch, bracelet, and cash.

On the same day, he said, a suspected arms dealer was arrested in the Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State following intelligence on an ongoing arms transaction.

He added that troops recovered an AK-47 rifle and an empty magazine along the Maiduguri–Gubio Road on March 22 after a suspected logistics supplier fled upon sighting troops. 

Onoja further disclosed that on March 23, troops arrested two suspected terrorist informants at Kaffa Bridge in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, recovering two bicycles, charms, and cash, while another suspected logistics supplier was apprehended in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area.

“On March 25, troops arrested another suspected terrorist logistics supplier at Kadau Village in Kaga LGA of Borno State and recovered motorcycle spare parts, including brake liners, carburettors, spark plugs, cable wires, clutch handles, and other items suspected to be meant for terrorist mobility.

“The following day, troops recovered another AK-47 rifle in Maiduguri after a suspect fled, while a suspected terrorist informant was arrested in Shauri, Kaga LGA, in a joint operation with the Civilian Joint Task Force,” he said.

Meanwhile, troops of Operation Savannah Shield intensified counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping operations across Kwara and Niger states.

On March 22, terrorists attacked the Ora-Ago community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting nine worshippers during a church service.

Troops, in collaboration with local vigilantes and forest guards, rescued three victims, while efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining hostages.

On the same date, troops arrested a suspect conveying explosives and improvised explosive device materials along the Wawa–Dabar Woko Road in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. The suspect claimed the items were intended for mining activities.

On March 26, troops uncovered an illegal mining processing site at Luma Village in Borgu LGA of Niger State and arrested seven illegal miners, including four foreign nationals from the Niger Republic.

According to the military, all suspects were moved to the Wawa Cantonment for further investigation.

Troops also confirmed that a bridge along the Wawa–Luma Road in the same area was destroyed by terrorists in an attempt to disrupt resupply routes.

Further operations on March 23 led to the arrest of six suspected terrorists during a stop-and-search operation at Oke Onigbin in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State, with troops recovering a locally made pistol, ammunition, cutlasses, and charms.

Onoja said troops later discovered an improvised explosive device along the Wawa–Babanna Road in Borgu LGA of Niger State on March 25. The device was successfully detonated by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team before troops continued offensive operations in the area.

The arrests come amid intensified military offensives targeting terrorist networks, logistics suppliers, and criminal elements operating across the North-East and North-Central regions.

The Defence Headquarters has, in recent months, sustained intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting insurgent supply chains, kidnapping syndicates, and illegal activities believed to be funding insecurity.

Culled from punch