Major Border Offensive: Over 200 Terrorists Killed as Troops Crush Camps Along Nigeria-Benin Corridor

A major military offensive along the Nigeria–Benin Republic border has led to the killing of more than 200 suspected terrorists in Banana, a border community in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, according to security and local sources.

The operation, codenamed Operation Savannah Shield, lasted five days and is being regarded as one of the most significant successes against armed groups operating in the region in recent times.
However, the operation recorded a casualty with the death of the Babanna vigilante commander, popularly known as Bature OC, who was killed while supporting security forces during the mission.
The joint operation was launched last Tuesday by troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Babanna. By Sunday, the troops had reportedly inflicted heavy losses on the terrorists, neutralising more than 200 fighters and destroying several of their camps.
Sources revealed that security personnel also recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition, in addition to more than 300 motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists for mobility and attacks across the area.
No military casualties were reported during the operation.
According to sources familiar with the mission, the coordinated offensive involved Nigerian troops, local vigilantes, and security operatives from the neighbouring Benin Republic. The operation covered several notorious terrorist routes stretching from Dekara Road through Gidan Zana to Rafin Korama within the vast Kainji Lake National Park forest.
“The operation is still ongoing,” a source close to Banana told Daily Sun. “Security forces have continued to maintain pressure on the criminals and are pursuing fleeing elements across the affected corridors.”
The military success sparked widespread celebrations across Borgu Kingdom, where residents have endured repeated attacks, kidnappings, and movement restrictions over the past year.
On Sunday, hundreds of residents took to the streets of Babanna, singing, dancing, and cheering Nigerian soldiers, local vigilantes, and Beninese security personnel for what many described as a major breakthrough in the fight against insecurity in the area.
For many residents, the operation has renewed hope after months of living under the threat of terrorist activities.
“We have suffered for too long,” said Alhaji Mohammed Usman, a resident of the area. “For more than a year, farmers could not safely access their farms, traders struggled to reach markets, and travellers lived in constant fear of abduction or death. These criminals made life unbearable for our people.”
Residents expressed optimism that sustained military operations would restore peace, revive economic activities, and enable displaced communities to return to their homes and livelihoods.