Over 200 Suspected Terrorists Killed in Major Nigeria-Benin Border Offensive

More than 200 suspected terrorists have been killed during a five-day joint military operation along the Nigeria–Benin Republic border in Niger State, according to security and local sources.
The offensive, codenamed Operation Savannah Shield, targeted armed groups operating around Banana community in Borgu Local Government Area and is being described by residents as one of the most significant security breakthroughs in the region in recent years.
Sources said troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Babanna launched the operation last Tuesday, working alongside local vigilantes and security personnel from neighbouring Benin Republic. By Sunday, security forces had reportedly destroyed several terrorist camps, recovered large quantities of weapons and ammunition, and seized more than 300 motorcycles allegedly used by the armed groups.
A source familiar with the operation told Daily Sun that the offensive covered key terrorist routes stretching from Dekara Road through Gidan Zana to Rafin Korama within the Kainji Lake National Park forest. “The operation is still ongoing. Security forces have continued to maintain pressure on the criminals and are pursuing fleeing elements across the affected corridors,” the source said.
Despite the reported success, the operation recorded the death of a prominent vigilante leader known as Bature OC, the Babanna vigilante commander, who was killed while supporting security forces. No military casualties were reported during the mission, according to sources.
News of the operation triggered celebrations across Borgu Kingdom, where communities have faced repeated attacks, kidnappings and restrictions on movement over the past year. Hundreds of residents reportedly gathered in Babanna on Sunday to cheer Nigerian troops, local vigilantes and Beninese security operatives.
“We have suffered for too long,” resident Alhaji Mohammed Usman said. “For more than a year, farmers could not safely access their farms, traders struggled to reach markets, and travellers lived in constant fear of abduction or death. These criminals made life unbearable for our people.”
Residents expressed hope that sustained military operations would restore peace to the area, revive economic activities and allow displaced families to return to their homes and farms.