CurrentReport Blog In a decisive operation, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) raided the residence of a suspected terrorist in the Gbeganu area, a suburb of Minna, Niger State capital, on Wednesday. The raid resulted in the recovery of firearms and a substantial amount of cash, including dollar bills.
The suspect, described as a storekeeper for a terrorist group, was reportedly known in the community as a tricycle rider before his alleged involvement in terrorist activities was exposed. The daytime operation caused significant alarm among local residents, marking the third such incident in less than four years in the neighboring areas of Nkangbe and Gbeganu, both within the Bosso Local Government Area.
Sources familiar with the operation indicated that a significant amount of cash was seized, though specific details about the firearms recovered were not disclosed. This incident follows a pattern of similar operations in the region. In October 2023, a suspected terrorist engaged security forces in a gun battle before escaping during a raid. Another operation in June 2021 led to the demolition of a house linked to a kidnapper after weapons were discovered.
Despite the success of the operation, local authorities seem to have limited information. The Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, stated, “I’m not aware of any reports of such; you may verify further from DSS.” Meanwhile, Peter Afunanya, the spokesperson for the DSS, did not respond to requests for comment or confirmation of the raid.
This latest raid underscores the ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat terrorism and maintain safety in the region, even as the community grapples with the fear and uncertainty these operations bring. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
