Dare Babalola
The Nigerian Army on Thursday announced that troops of the 12 Brigade recorded major operational successes in Kogi State, including the rescue of kidnapped victims and the interception of a suspected terrorist logistics courier.
In a statement posted on its official X page, the Army said the operations were carried out on May 6, 2026, under coordinated security efforts in Lokoja Local Government Area.
According to the statement, troops operating under Operation TIGER PAW II rescued the remaining kidnapped victims from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage after sustained search and rescue efforts.
“Acting on credible intelligence and maintaining persistent operational pressure, troops of the Brigade’s Blocking Force intercepted and recovered the victims within the Agbaja Forest general area in Lokoja Local Government Area,” the statement read.
The Army disclosed that those rescued included five boys, two girls and two adult females believed to be wives of the orphanage proprietor.
“The rescued victims were promptly evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre where they received immediate medical attention and first aid. All victims are reported to be in stable condition,” it added.
In a separate operation on the same day, troops reportedly intercepted a suspected arms courier along the Obajana–Lokoja road.
The suspect, identified as Yahaya Umar, was allegedly found with 500 rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition hidden inside a bag of maize.
“The suspect was found in possession of 500 rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition concealed inside a bag of maize in an attempt to evade detection,” the Army stated.
It further said preliminary investigations linked the suspect to the movement of arms and ammunition for terrorists across the North Central region.
“Further interrogation indicated that the ammunition was handed over to him at Obajana Forest and was being transported to Dikko Junction in Suleja, Niger State, for delivery to a yet-to-be-identified terrorist,” the statement said.
The Army noted that the suspect remains in custody and is undergoing further interrogation as efforts continue to dismantle the criminal network.
“These coordinated successes underscore the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, while sustaining aggressive operations against terrorists and their collaborators,” the statement added.
