By Bavoriat Clara
Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army have rescued kidnapped victims and foiled a terrorist logistics operation in separate coordinated operations conducted in Kogi State.
In a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the operations were carried out on May 6, 2026, under Operation TIGER PAW II.
According to the statement, troops successfully rescued the remaining kidnapped victims from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage following sustained search and rescue operations. Acting on credible intelligence and maintaining pressure on criminal elements, troops of the Brigade’s Blocking Force intercepted and recovered the victims within the Agbaja Forest area of Lokoja Local Government Area.
The rescued victims included five boys, two girls, and two adult women believed to be wives of the proprietor of the orphanage. They were immediately evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre where they received medical attention and first aid. The Army confirmed that all the victims are in stable condition.
In another operation on the same day, troops acting on intelligence intercepted a suspected terrorist ammunition courier along the Obajana–Lokoja road in Lokoja Local Government Area.
The suspect, identified as Yahaya Umar, was arrested with 500 rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition concealed inside a bag of maize in an attempt to avoid detection.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is allegedly involved in the movement of arms and ammunition for terrorist groups operating across parts of 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 another suspected terrorist collaborator.
The suspect is currently in military custody and undergoing further interrogation as efforts continue to dismantle the criminal network and apprehend other members of the syndicate.
The Nigerian Army said the successful operations demonstrate its commitment to protecting lives and property while sustaining offensive operations against terrorists and their collaborators. The Army also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.
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