IN a significant joint security operation, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army neutralised at least 45 terrorists during a coordinated raid on Iburu village, located in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, News Point Nigeria gathered.
The deadly encounter, which occurred on Friday, followed actionable intelligence provided by the DSS, which uncovered imminent threats of terrorist attacks targeting the vulnerable border communities.
The operation came in the wake of earlier warnings by the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, who in April raised alarm over persistent attacks on Customs officers around Babanna border, a volatile region linking Niger State to Benin Republic.
Adeniyi had recounted a narrow escape by his personnel who survived an ambush launched by terrorists infuriated over the seizure of 500 jerrycans of petrol meant to be supplied to them by smugglers.
Security agencies have since ramped up surveillance and combative patrols across the region.
According to security sources who spoke to News Point Nigeria on Monday, the DSS intercepted intelligence indicating that a large convoy of armed terrorists on motorcycles was heading toward Iburu and neighbouring villages.
Acting swiftly, the DSS alerted military units stationed nearby. A fierce gun battle ensued between the advancing terrorists and Nigerian forces.
“The villagers confirmed that they counted at least 40 corpses of the terrorists after the dust settled,” a security operative disclosed. “Dozens of motorcycles used by the insurgents were also destroyed.”
The source added that two members of the hybrid security team fighting alongside the military were killed, while four others sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment in a public hospital in the state capital.
While the operation was largely successful in neutralising the insurgents, it was not without sacrifice. The fallen heroes, members of a local hybrid force, were praised by villagers and security agents for their bravery and service.
The injured operatives are expected to recover, and authorities are reportedly preparing to honour the deceased for their role in defending national security.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigerian Army nor the DSS has released an official statement on the operation.
However, residents in Iburu and surrounding areas have confirmed the presence of security operatives and ongoing mop-up exercises in the region.
Villagers, while still shaken by the encounter, expressed relief over the successful operation and called on the federal government to sustain such efforts to permanently dislodge criminal elements from border communities.
