Troops nab suspected Nigerien terrorist in Yobe

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have apprehended a suspected terrorist of Nigerien origin who was attempting to infiltrate a military security perimeter in Yobe State.

According to military sources, the arrest was made on Monday by soldiers from the 120 Task Force Battalion stationed in Katarko, Gujba Local Government Area. The suspect’s inability to communicate in any Nigerian language has raised suspicions of foreign terrorist involvement, prompting a broader investigation into possible transnational networks.

The arrest comes as part of a series of coordinated military operations across the region, during which several terrorists were neutralised, others apprehended, and hostages rescued.

In Borno State, two relatives of terrorists, an adult female and a child, voluntarily surrendered to troops of the 202 Battalion in Bama after escaping from the Churchur axis. The source described their surrender as evidence of sustained pressure on insurgent enclaves.

In Sokoto State, troops of the 8 Division Garrison engaged armed elements in a gun battle in Tsamaye and Mai Lalle, Sabon Birni Local Government Area, killing two suspects. Three AK-47 rifles and a motorcycle were recovered.

In Kebbi State, troops of the 1 Battalion Rear intercepted an attempted cattle rustling operation in Sauna Village, Argungu Local Government Area. The rustlers abandoned 251 cows, which were subsequently recovered and returned to their owners.

In Ondo State, troops of the 323 Artillery Regiment operating in Igbara-Oke, Ifedore Local Government Area, intercepted two suspected gunrunners attempting to purchase weapons. The suspects were reportedly acting on instructions from an inmate at Kirikiri Correctional Facility in Lagos, who was coordinating illegal arms deals aimed at fuelling criminal activity in Zamfara State.

In Delta State, troops discovered a tricycle loaded with about 200 litres of suspected illegally refined diesel along the Jeddo–Omadino axis in Warri South Local Government Area. In a separate operation, seven individuals were arrested at a suspected IPOB and ESN hideout in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area. Recovered items included a motorcycle, four mobile phones, and various logistics materials.

The military source reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to maintaining internal security and public order, assuring that ongoing operations would continue with intensity.