Zagazola Makama – Residents Hail Troops as Joint Ground-Air Operation Clears Terrorist Hideout in Gulbi In Niger

Residents Hail Troops as Joint Ground-Air Operation Clears Terrorist Hideout in Gulbi In Niger 

By: Zagazola Makama 

Residents of communities around Gulbi have commended troops for their bravery and professionalism following a successful joint ground-air operation that cleared suspected terrorist elements from the area and restored confidence among local inhabitants.

The operation, conducted between 30 and 31 May 2026 by troops in conjunction with the Air Component, was launched following reports that terrorists were using Gulbi as a staging area and had allegedly hoisted flags within the village.

However, upon arrival, troops discovered that no Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) or Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) flags had been hoisted in the community. 

Determined to deny terrorists freedom of action within the area, the troops conducted an extensive clearance operation and dominated the general area.

On their return from the mission, the troops made contact with fleeing terrorists and engaged them in a fierce firefight. The superior firepower and coordinated action of the joint force forced the terrorists to retreat in disarray.

During the subsequent exploitation of the area, troops recovered 15 motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists for mobility and logistics. Several other motorcycles were destroyed in situ as they could not be evacuated from the battlefield. 

Troops also recovered 253 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, while the corpse of one neutralized terrorist was discovered during the operation.

In the aftermath of the operation, residents of Gulbi and surrounding communities reportedly trooped out in large numbers to express gratitude to the troops for their efforts in clearing the area of terrorist elements.