***Vigilante commander dies during operation
A large-scale military offensive along the Nigeria–Benin Republic border has resulted in the killing of more than 200 suspected terrorists in Banana, a border community in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, security and local sources have revealed.
The operation, which lasted five days and was carried out under the code name Operation Savannah Shield, is being hailed as one of the most significant victories against armed groups operating in the area in recent times.
The joint security mission was launched last Tuesday by troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Babanna. By Sunday, the troops had reportedly dealt a devastating blow to the terrorists, neutralising over 200 fighters and dismantling several of their operational camps.
Sources disclosed that security forces also recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition, as well as more than 300 motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists for movement and attacks across the region.
Despite the success of the operation, the commander of the local vigilante group in Babanna, popularly known as Bature OC, was killed while supporting the offensive. No military casualty was reported.
According to sources familiar with the operation, the coordinated assault involved Nigerian troops, local vigilantes, and security personnel from neighbouring Benin Republic. The operation covered several notorious terrorist routes stretching from Dekara Road through Gidan Zana to Rafin Korama within the expansive Kainji Lake National Park forest.
“The operation is still ongoing,” a source close to Banana told Daily Sun. “Security forces have continued to sustain pressure on the criminals and are pursuing fleeing elements across the affected corridors.”
News of the military success sparked celebrations across Borgu Kingdom, where residents have endured persistent attacks, kidnappings, and restrictions on movement over the past year.
On Sunday, hundreds of jubilant residents poured into the streets of Babanna, singing, dancing, and cheering Nigerian soldiers, local vigilantes, and Beninese security forces for what many described as a turning point in the fight against insecurity in the area.
For many locals, the operation has rekindled hope after months of living under the shadow of terror.
“We have suffered for too long,” said Alhaji Mohammed Usman, a resident of the area. “For more than a year, farmers could not safely go to their farms, traders could not access markets, and travellers moved in constant fear of abduction or death. These criminals made life unbearable for our people.”
Residents expressed optimism that sustained military pressure would restore normalcy, reopen economic activities, and allow displaced communities to return to their homes and livelihoods.