Troops Clear Gulbi Community in Niger Recover Weapons, Motorcycles After Encounter with Terrorists

By: Zagazola Makama 

Troops conducting clearance operations in Gulbi community in Niger State, in conjunction with the Air Component, have recovered motorcycles and ammunition following a brief encounter with suspected terrorists during a joint operation.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama  that the operation was carried out between May 30 and May 31 as part of ongoing efforts to clear the area of suspected terrorist presence and deny criminal elements freedom of movement.

According to the sources, troops advanced to Gulbi following intelligence reports indicating possible terrorist activity in the area, including claims that insurgents were using the location for coordination.

The sources, however, noted that no terrorist flag or insignia was discovered during the operation, contrary to earlier indications.

They said that while returning from the mission, troops made contact with suspected terrorists and engaged them in a brief exchange of fire.

During the encounter and subsequent exploitation, troops recovered 15 motorcycles, while several others were reportedly destroyed on the spot due to operational constraints.

The sources further disclosed that the body of one suspected terrorist was recovered during the exploitation phase, alongside 253 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.

Four soldiers sustained minor injuries during the encounter and were immediately evacuated for medical attention. They are reported to be in stable condition.

The sources added that four AK-47 magazines were lost during the exchange, while troops successfully withdrew to Forward Operating Base Babanna after consolidating the area.

Security authorities said the operation forms part of sustained clearance efforts aimed at degrading terrorist mobility and disrupting their logistics networks across the North-West region.

They added that follow-up operations and further exploitation of the general area were ongoing to ensure complete clearance of remaining threats.