Troops repel terrorist incursion from Zamfara into Niger State, recovering an AK-47 rifle and 398 rounds of ammunition while destroying six motorcycles

Nigerian troops under Operation Savannah Shield repelled an attempted terrorist incursion from Zamfara into Niger State on Thursday, August 13, 2026, recovering an AK-47 rifle, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and several motorcycles during the operation.

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The operation followed intelligence that about 200 motorcycles carrying suspected terrorists were heading towards Inana Village in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State.

Personnel from the 311 Army Reconnaissance Battalion and 18 Brigade Quick Response Forces intercepted the group around Majai and Tungan Bisallah villages.

The military said the intervention forced the suspected terrorists to retreat, preventing the planned incursion into the area.

Troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, 395 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm NATO ammunition and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

The troops also recovered one motorcycle and destroyed six others during the operation.

One soldier sustained injuries during the engagement, according to the operational report.

“In a related operation, troops responding to intelligence on terrorist activities mobilised towards Genu Village but made no contact with the fleeing terrorists,” the report said.

The operation forms part of wider military activity across several states as security forces intensify efforts against armed groups and their logistics networks.

In Borno State, troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade, working alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force, reportedly neutralised a suspected ISWAP logistics courier and informant at Dallaballe Village in Gujba Local Government Area.

The Borno operation was conducted on August 10 after troops received intelligence concerning the suspected informant’s activities.

In Taraba State, troops from the 93 Battalion and personnel from the Defence Intelligence Agency recovered another AK-47 rifle and 10 rounds of 5.45 x 39mm NATO ammunition from the home of a suspected gunrunner in Bantaje, Wukari Local Government Area.

Meanwhile, troops operating under Operation UDO KA raided a transport company in Aba South Local Government Area of Abia State following allegations that military camouflage and other military equipment were being transported through the facility.

Five suspects were arrested during the operation, while troops seized a luxury bus belonging to the company.

The series of operations highlight the military’s continued reliance on intelligence-led interventions to disrupt terrorist movements, weapons supply and logistical networks.

In Niger State, the interception of the motorcycle convoy prevented the suspected group from advancing towards Rijau, while the recovery and destruction of motorcycles reduced part of the mobility reportedly available to the group.

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The military is expected to maintain operations in the affected areas as efforts continue to track fleeing suspects and identify wider networks linked to the attempted incursion.