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Troops of 22 Brigade under Operation Savannah Shield have repelled suspected terrorists, arrested two suspects, and recovered motorcycles during an offensive operation in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 11:09 a.m. on April 14 by troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Babanna, in collaboration with Combat Support Infantry Battalion XVI and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

According to the sources, the troops carried out coordinated clearance operations across Dekara, Dongoru, Bakimba, Jigga, Gidan Kambarawa and Masaka villages.

During the operation, troops made contact with the terrorists along the Masaka–Dekara road, forcing them to flee and abandon their motorcycles.

The sources added that the troops subsequently encountered an ambush but successfully fought through the attack, recovering additional motorcycles.

“In total, nine motorcycles were recovered during the operation, while two suspects were apprehended,” the sources said.

They noted that two tyres of a Combat Support Vehicle (CSK APC) were damaged during the encounter.

The suspects and recovered items are currently in military custody for further investigation, while operations are ongoing to track fleeing members of the group.

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Troops conducting ongoing clearance operations under Operation Wutan Daji have rescued 12 kidnapped victims and arrested key associates of a fleeing bandit leader during coordinated offensives across forested areas linking Plateau and Taraba States.

A military source said the operations, carried out on April 15 and 16, involved troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade in conjunction with an Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) tactical team.

According to the source, the operations were conducted in the Dajin Madam and Kumbodoro forest axis, spanning parts of Plateau and Taraba States.

The source said the sustained offensive led to the recovery of 12 kidnapped victims who escaped from their captors during the pressure mounted by troops.

The victims were subsequently taken into custody for profiling before being moved to an Internally Displaced Persons facility in Fukuk.

Troops also recovered a Dane gun, a fabricated AK-47 rifle and a power bank during the operation.

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The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, has taken direct charge of operations in Sapele following the shocking abduction of the Chairman of Sapele Local Government Area, assuring residents that efforts are in top gear to secure the victim’s safe and unharmed release.

In a swift and strategic response, the police boss conducted an on-the-spot operational assessment of key locations linked to the incident, demonstrating the Command’s urgency and commitment to cracking the case.

The visit saw the CP inspect Debro Fred Guest House, the scene where the abduction reportedly took place. The facility, believed to have been the last point of contact before the Chairman was whisked away by armed men, is now central to ongoing investigations.

He also proceeded to Ogorode Waterside, where a vehicle suspected to have been used by the kidnappers was earlier recovered. The discovery is expected to provide critical leads as security operatives intensify intelligence gathering and forensic analysis to track down the perpetrators.

Speaking during the visit, CP Oyeniyi reassured the public that the Command is leaving no stone unturned.
“We are working with credible intelligence and in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure that the victim is rescued safely. Every available resource has been deployed, and we are confident of positive results,” he said.

The Commissioner also paid a solemn visit to the family of the abducted Chairman, where he met with his wife, offering words of comfort and reassurance.
“The Command shares in your pain at this difficult time. I want to assure you that we are doing everything humanly possible to secure his safe return,” he stated.

In addition, the CP visited medical facilities where victims injured during the attack are receiving treatment, further demonstrating the Command’s concern for all those affected by the incident.

The abduction, which has sent shockwaves across Sapele and beyond, is believed to have been carried out by heavily armed assailants who struck with precision, raising renewed concerns over security in the riverine axis of Delta State. Eyewitness accounts suggest the attackers operated swiftly, leaving behind chaos and injured victims in their wake.

CP Oyeniyi has, however, called for calm and cooperation from the public, stressing that community support remains a critical factor in the success of the ongoing operation.
“We urge residents to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information. Security is a collective responsibility, and together we can bring the perpetrators to justice,” he added.

The Delta State Police Command reaffirmed its unwavering resolve to protect lives and property, assuring that decisive actions will continue until those behind the abduction are apprehended and the victim safely reunited with his family.

As investigations deepen, residents across Delta State remain hopeful that the intensified security response will yield swift results and restore confidence in the fight against violent crime.