RismadarVoice Reporters
June 2, 2026
Residents of Borgu Kingdom in Niger State erupted in celebration after a joint security operation reportedly neutralised more than 200 suspected terrorists and recovered over 300 motorcycles during a major offensive in Babanna, a border community between Nigeria and the Benin Republic.
The operation, codenamed “Operation Savanna Shield,” was led by troops of the Nigerian military in collaboration with local vigilantes and security personnel from the Benin Republic.
Sources said the offensive commenced last Tuesday when soldiers of the 22 Armoured Brigade, operating from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Babanna, launched coordinated attacks on suspected terrorist enclaves within the area.
The operation reached its peak on Sunday, May 31, with security forces reportedly killing more than 200 terrorists and recovering a cache of weapons, ammunition and over 300 motorcycles allegedly used by the criminal groups.
A local vigilante commander identified as Bature OC was reportedly killed during the operation. No military casualties were recorded, according to sources familiar with the mission.
The operation covered several locations, including the Dekara Road axis, Gidan Zana and Rafin Korama within the Kainji Lake National Park forest, a region that has witnessed persistent attacks by bandits and terrorist groups.
A source in Babanna said security operatives were continuing clearance operations in the affected areas to prevent the regrouping of fleeing criminals.
“The operation is still ongoing, and security agents have sustained pressure on the terrorists within the forest corridors,” the source said.
The development sparked widespread jubilation across communities in Borgu Local Government Area, where residents have endured months of insecurity, kidnappings and restrictions on farming and commercial activities.
Residents trooped into the streets to celebrate the success of the operation and commend Nigerian troops, local vigilantes and Beninese security forces for their efforts.
Speaking on the development, a resident, Alhaji Mohammed Usman, described the operation as a major relief for communities that had been under siege by armed groups.
“For the past year, we could not go to our farms, access markets or travel freely because of fear of abduction and attacks. They made life unbearable for our people,” he said.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the reported casualty figures, but the operation is being hailed by residents as one of the most significant security breakthroughs recorded in the area in recent months.
