Minna, Niger State – In a predawn operation, operatives of the Department of State Service, Niger State Command, executed a meticulous raid on a residence in the tranquil Kulobe community nestled within the Gbeganu area of Minna, Niger State. Acting on intelligence provided by vigilant neighbors, the security personnel unearthed a substantial arsenal of AK-47 rifles and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

Reports indicate that the suspected terrorist, forewarned of the impending operation by the close-circuit television system installed on his property, confronted the operatives in a fierce exchange of gunfire. The altercation unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday, occurring between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. During the confrontation, the suspect resorted to using a rocket launcher, which he deployed to breach a section of his property’s perimeter wall, thereby vanishing into obscurity. His wife and children, however, were apprehended by the vigilant security agents.

An undisclosed security source, present during the inventory of seized weaponry, revealed that the DSS personnel confiscated an astonishing inventory from the suspect’s domicile. Among the seized items were more than 150 AK-47 rifles, explosives, a rocket launcher, an anti-aircraft rifle, and a cache of over 3,000 rounds of ammunition. These confiscated armaments have since been transported to the Department of State Service’s office for further analysis and investigation.

Residents of the Kulobe community and surrounding areas bore witness to the intense gunfire and the resounding blast of the rocket launcher. Many are still grappling with the shock of the incident. One resident described the incident: “We thought bandits had invaded our community. The heavy sound of the guns between the terrorist and the security operatives were too heavy. Some of my electronics and furniture were destroyed. The loud noise sounded like there were many bandits.”

During a visit to the community on Tuesday, evidence of the fierce standoff was evident in the damaged windows, doors, roofing sheets, and walls of residences in proximity to the suspect’s house. Empty bullet casings littered the area, and some structures had sustained damage due to the intensity of the gunfire.

The identity of the suspected terrorist remains undisclosed, though it is known that he hails from the central region of Kogi State. He acquired the residence two years prior, yet he maintained a reclusive existence, seldom interacting with his neighbors.

Notably, a stray bullet struck Mubarak Abubakar, a night watchman residing in close proximity to the suspect’s residence, during the indiscriminate shooting. Abubakar is currently receiving medical attention at the IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna.

When contacted for comment, Abiodun Wasiu, the spokesman for the Niger State Police Command, pledged to investigate the matter and provide further information to the press. At the time of this report, no additional information had been released.