Troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces have apprehended several suspected terrorist informants, logistics suppliers, and illegal miners during coordinated operations across the North-East and North-Central regions.
The Director of Defence Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, revealed that the missions were conducted under Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Savannah Shield, driven by strengthened intelligence efforts.
Among those arrested was a suspected informant in Mubi Local Government Area of Adamawa State, believed to be connected to a previous attack in Ngoshe, Borno State, where insurgents carried out a deadly raid, resulting in multiple casualties, abductions, and destruction of property.
On March 20, troops arrested another suspected spy near a guard post in Maiduguri, recovering personal items including a mobile phone and cash. That same day, a suspected arms dealer was apprehended in Taraba State following intelligence on an illegal arms deal.
In separate operations, security forces recovered an AK-47 rifle along the Maiduguri–Gubio Road after a suspect fled, while multiple arrests were made in different parts of Borno State, including Damboa, Benisheikh, and Kaga, where individuals suspected of aiding terrorist logistics were taken into custody.
Security operatives also seized materials believed to support terrorist mobility, such as motorcycle spare parts, and uncovered additional weapons abandoned by fleeing suspects. Joint operations with local security groups further led to the arrest of more suspected informants.
In the North-Central region, troops intensified counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping activities across Kwara and Niger states. Following an attack on a church in Kwara State where worshippers were abducted, security personnel successfully rescued some victims, while efforts continue to free others.
Additionally, a suspect transporting explosive materials was intercepted in Niger State, claiming the items were intended for mining. Troops later uncovered an illegal mining site in the same area, arresting seven individuals, including foreign nationals.
Further operations led to the arrest of suspected criminals during stop-and-search exercises, with weapons and other dangerous items recovered. An improvised explosive device discovered along a major route was safely neutralized by an explosive disposal team.
The military also reported that a bridge was destroyed by terrorists in an attempt to disrupt supply routes, highlighting ongoing threats in the region.
These operations form part of intensified efforts by the Defence Headquarters to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt supply chains, and tackle criminal activities fueling insecurity across affected areas.
