Troops Intercept Explosive Materials, Kill Terrorists In Kwara, Niger Operations

Troops of Operation Savannah Shield have intercepted a vehicle conveying materials suspected to be used for the production of improvised explosive devices while also neutralising several terrorists in separate operations across Kwara and Niger states.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement detailing recent counter-terrorism operations conducted between February 28 and March 6, 2026.

Onoja said troops intercepted a vehicle transporting eight 50kg bags of ammonium chloride along the Eruku–Egbe Road in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State on February 28.

According to him, laboratory tests later confirmed the substance as a key precursor used in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices.

He said, “The vehicle was intercepted along Eruku-Egbe road in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

“When the driver of the vehicle was unable to produce any authorisation documents for the transportation of the substance, it was subsequently taken to the laboratory for examination.”

He added that both the driver and the recovered materials were currently in custody.

“The driver and recovered substances are in custody pending further investigation and appropriate legal action,” Onoja said.

17 Terrorists Killed In The Niger Forest

The defence spokesman also disclosed that troops intensified operations across Kwara and Niger states, targeting terrorist hideouts in forested areas and border communities.

He said a major success was recorded on March 1 in Roguwa Forest in Patigi Local Government Area of Niger State.

He further stated, “A major operational success occurred on 1 March 2026 in Roguwa Forest, Patigi LGA of Niger State.

“Over 17 terrorists were neutralised during the encounter, while several others were observed fleeing the forest with severe injuries.”

He added that clearance operations were ongoing to locate and eliminate the remaining fighters.

In a related development, Onoja said troops arrested 12 suspected terrorists at Atachi in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The suspects reportedly claimed affiliation with Miyetti Allah but could not provide valid identification.

“Exploitation of their mobile phones revealed contact details saved in formats consistent with known terrorist communication patterns, including several numbers stored under coded and suspicious aliases,” he said.

Items recovered from them include an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, several rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, mobile phones and ₦645,000.

“All suspects and exhibits are in custody for further investigation,” Onoja added.

Meanwhile, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma in the North-West also arrested two suspected terrorists receiving treatment at a hospital in Galadimawa, Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State on March 2.

Onoja said the suspects were tracked through credible intelligence indicating they had sustained injuries during earlier clashes with troops.

He added that the doctor treating them escaped during the operation.

“When compelled to lead troops to other hideouts, the suspects attempted to escape during an ambush but were neutralised alongside additional terrorist fighters,” he said.