Troops Engage Suspected Pipeline Vandals in Rivers, Launch Manhunt

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Joint Task Force South-South under Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) have launched a manhunt for suspected pipeline vandals following an attack on a gas pipeline in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Security sources said the operation followed intelligence gathered from a drone patrol at about 11:55 p.m. on June 17, which detected suspected vandalism activities around the Odua general area of the local government.

Acting on the intelligence, troops of the 16 Brigade Garrison and 5 Battalion swiftly mobilised to the scene under the leadership of their respective commanders.

The sources disclosed that the troops made contact with armed suspects believed to be involved in pipeline vandalism.

During the encounter, the suspects reportedly detonated explosive devices, causing damage to a section of a gas pipeline before fleeing the area.

The troops have since commenced a search operation to track down and apprehend the suspects, while efforts are ongoing to secure the affected facility and prevent further acts of sabotage.

Military authorities reiterated their commitment to protecting critical national assets and warned criminal elements involved in economic sabotage to desist or face the full weight of the law.

Troops Engage Suspected Pipeline Vandals in Rivers, Launch Manhunt

Heavy Gunfire, Explosions Reported Near Niamey Airport as Security Forces Deploy Across Capital

By: Zagazola Makama

Heavy gunfire and explosions were reported around Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger’s capital, on Thursday, triggering a major security response and heightened tension across the city.

Multiple security sources said the incident began in the early hours of the day, with sustained gunfire reportedly lasting for more than two hours.

The exact nature of the incident remained unclear as of press time, with authorities yet to issue an official statement on whether it was a terrorist attack, an armed assault on security installations or an attempted counter-coup operation.

Residents in several parts of the capital were advised to remain indoors while security forces moved to contain the situation.

Sources said a security cordon was established around key locations in the city, extending to the Hospital Roundabout, while heavily armed personnel and military equipment were deployed at multiple checkpoints on roads leading to the Presidential Palace.

Witnesses reported an increased presence of security forces across strategic areas of the capital as authorities sought to restore calm and prevent any escalation.

Diori Hamani International Airport, which hosts Air Base 101, is regarded as one of Niger’s most strategic security installations and is located about 10 kilometres from the Presidential Palace.

The facility was previously targeted during an attack attributed to suspected Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) and ISWAP fighters on Jan. 28 and 29, 2026.

However, there was no immediate indication that Thursday’s incident was linked to the earlier attack, and no group had claimed responsibility as of the time of filing this report.

Sources said the situation was gradually stabilising, although security operations remained ongoing across the city.

Authorities are expected to provide further details as investigations continue.

Heavy Gunfire, Explosions Reported Near Niamey Airport as Security Forces Deploy Across Capital

Troops, TANTITA Operatives Recover 24,000 Litres of Illegally Refined AGO in Rivers Creek

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 3, Operation DELTA SAFE (OPDS), in collaboration with TANTITA Security Services, have recovered a wooden boat laden with illegally refined petroleum products at Abalama Creek in Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The operation, which took place at about 19:20 hours on 15 June 2026, followed credible intelligence on the movement of suspected stolen crude products through the creek.

However, no arrest was made as the suspects abandoned the vessel and fled the scene upon sighting the approaching operatives.

The troops recovered one wooden boat loaded with Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), estimated at about 24,000 litres.

The recovered product and vessel were subsequently moved to the TANTITA Security Services base at Ilamatoru for further investigation and necessary action.

Security sources confirmed that follow-up operations are ongoing within the general area to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle associated illegal refining networks.

Troops, TANTITA Operatives Recover 24,000 Litres of Illegally Refined AGO in Rivers Creek