DSS reportedly raids suspected terrorist’s home in Niger, seizes firearms, dollar bills

Operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, have conducted a raid on the residence of a suspected terrorist in the Gbeganu area, a suburb of Minna, Niger State capital.

The operation, which took place on Wednesday, resulted in the recovery of firearms and a substantial amount of cash, including dollar bills.

The suspect targeted in the operation was described as a storekeeper for a terrorist group.

The daytime raid caused fear among local residents, marking the third such operation in less than four years in the neighboring areas of Nkangbe and Gbeganu, both in the Bosso Local Government Area.

Though details about the specific firearms recovered were not disclosed, sources familiar with the operation reported that a significant amount of cash was seized.

Some residents recounted that the suspect was known locally as a tricycle rider before the raid exposed his alleged involvement in terrorist activities.

Previous incidents in the area include an October 2023 raid where a suspected terrorist engaged security forces in a gun battle before escaping.

Another raid in June 2021 saw a house linked to a kidnapper demolished after weapons were found.

The Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, when contacted, stated that the police had no information regarding the recent raid.

“I’m not aware of any reports of such, you may verify further from DSS,” Wasiu stated.

Peter Afunanya, the spokesperson for the DSS, did not respond to requests for comment or confirmation of the report.