Nigerien Forces Capture Two Suspected Bandits, Seize Heavy Weapons, Starlink in Bilma
By: Zagazola Makama
Nigerien security forces have captured two suspected armed bandits and seized a vehicle, heavy weapons, ammunition and communication equipment following a pursuit in the southwestern outskirts of Bilma.
According to a security report dated Oct. 19, 2026, the operation followed the continued pursuit of a vehicle occupied by suspected bandits by a departmental patrol.
The report said the chase extended into a sandy area dotted with dunes in the southwestern part of Bilma, where the suspects’ vehicle became stuck.
The occupants reportedly abandoned the vehicle, identified as a V6, and attempted to take positions on the surrounding dunes.
The patrol, upon sighting the abandoned vehicle and the suspects’ movements, engaged them in a firefight.
The report said the security forces, through coordinated action, successfully neutralised the threat and captured two suspects.
The vehicle, bearing Chadian registration number T10-14908, was recovered alongside a substantial arsenal of weapons and military equipment.
Items seized included one 12.7mm machine gun with its serial number erased, one RPG-7 launcher, one Kougar launcher, one AK-103 rifle with three empty magazines, 12 RPG-7 rounds, including two unserviceable rounds, and eight Kougar grenades.
The forces also recovered 60 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, 64 rounds of FM80 ammunition, four sealed ammunition boxes, 12 RPG-7 charges, a spare FM80 barrel and a pair of RPG-7 binoculars, according to the report.
Other items recovered included a Starlink satellite communication device, three Motorola radios, an Android mobile phone, an analogue telephone, a power bank, a compressor and a pressure controller.
The military-related items seized also included two military uniforms, an AK-47 magazine pouch, a Chadian Army red beret and an adjudant’s rank insignia.
Additional items recovered were a wristwatch, a microphone and two travel bags.
The report identified the suspects as Ahmad Djiti, born around 1998 in Massaroufa, Chad, and Oumar Mahamad, born around 1991 in the same locality.
Djiti was described in the report as a Chadian national and serving Chadian military personnel, while Mahamad was identified as a Chadian rebel allegedly affiliated with the Front pour l’Alternance et la Concorde au Tchad (FACT).
The report stated that the two men were married and had children.
The relevant authorities have been notified, while investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the suspects’ activities, the origin of the seized weapons and equipment, and their possible links to other armed groups operating in the region.
