NIAMEY, July 19 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerien army announced Saturday that it apprehended 21 individuals suspected of terrorism on July 13 while traveling in five vehicles in the Zinder region in the southeast of the country.

According to a military statement broadcast on national television, initial checks revealed that 13 of the suspects are foreign nationals, while the remaining eight are Nigerien citizens.

A search of the vehicles uncovered various items with potential military use, including camouflage gear, communication equipment, surveillance devices, fuel containers, cash and a substantial quantity of food supplies, the statement said.

The suspects and the confiscated materials have been transferred to Niamey and handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation. ■