Nigeria’s Secret Police, DSS, Reportedly Raids Suspected Terrorist’s Home In Niger State, Seizes Firearms, Dollar Bills

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have recovered firearms and dollars during an operation at the residence of a suspected terrorist in the Gbeganu area, a suburb of Minna, Niger State capital. 

The daytime operation which was reportedly conducted on Wednesday caused fear among the residents of the area.

Daily Trust reports that sources familiar with the operation said the operation was the third raid in less than four years in the neighbouring areas of Nkangbe and Gbeganu, both in the Bosso Local Government Area. 

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

Though details about recovered weapons were not disclosed, residents told the newspaper that a substantial amount of cash, including dollars, was recovered during the operation. 

The suspect was reportedly known as a tricycle rider before the raid exposed his alleged involvement in terrorist activities.

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

Another raid was in June 2021, during which a house linked to a kidnapper was demolished after weapons were found.

However, when contacted, Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said 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 said.

Peter Afunanya, the spokesperson for the DSS, failed to respond to SaharaReporters' requests for comment and confirmation of the report, ignoring both text messages and phone calls.