The Nigerien Army has arrested a suspected senior commander of Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), a prominent terrorist organization, in the Tillabéri region.
Military sources said that the suspect was intercepted on April 3 at approximately 6:30 p.m. while driving a vehicle on the Torodi-Niamey route. Recovered items include 5,032,900 CFA francs, firearms, mobile phones, and logistical supplies believed to be intended for terrorist activities.
According to the army, the money was intended for the purchase of logistics to support terrorist activities but after investigating further, troops came across a garden owned by the suspect in the village of Boborgou. According to reports, armed groups used the location as a logistical base.
Among the discovered items were food supplies, communication airtime credit, clothing, and black fabric that is believed to have been used for camouflage.
In a nearby school building, security forces discovered a significant supply of pasta that was reportedly intended to feed active terrorist elements operating in the region.
The army confirmed that the suspect is strongly associated with the hijacking of two cars between Makalondi and Niaktiré on April 2nd.
The region is currently under security operations as part of broader efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore stability.
The arrest and seizure of materials have disrupted JNIM's operations in the region, dealing a significant blow to their plans ¹.
Tillabéri Region Under Siege: The area has been plagued by instability and violence, with JNIM responsible for numerous attacks on military and civilian targets.
Regional Security Concerns: The arrest highlights ongoing efforts to combat extremist groups in the Sahel region, where JNIM's affiliate, Al-Qaeda, poses a significant threat.
Military Operations: The Nigerien Army's actions demonstrate their commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring stability in the region ².
In a related development, the group has been linked to deadly assaults on Nigerien National Guard camps and other security forces in the region.
The fight against terrorism in the Sahel region requires collaboration between national forces and international partners to strengthen counter-terrorism measures .