Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have rescued nine kidnapped victims and intercepted a suspected terrorist ammunition courier during separate operations carried out in Kogi State on May 6, 2026.
The military operations, conducted under Operation Tiger Paw II, were part of ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping, terrorism, and other criminal activities across the North Central region.
According to military authorities, the rescued victims were abducted during the recent attack on Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage in Kogi State. The victims included five boys, two girls, and two adult women believed to be related to the proprietor of the orphanage.
Security operatives, acting on credible intelligence and sustained surveillance within the Agbaja Forest area of Lokoja Local Government Area, successfully located and rescued the victims after mounting intense pressure on the kidnappers.
The victims were immediately evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre, where they received medical treatment and first aid. Authorities confirmed that all the rescued persons are in stable condition.
In a separate operation on the same day, troops intercepted a suspected terrorist logistics courier along the Obajana–Lokoja road. The suspect, identified as Yahaya Umar, was arrested while allegedly transporting 500 rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition concealed inside a sack of maize.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect was part of a network involved in the illegal movement of arms and ammunition across states in the North Central zone. Military sources revealed that the ammunition was reportedly collected from the Obajana Forest area and was being transported toward Dikko Junction in Suleja, Niger State, for delivery to another suspected terrorist operative.
The suspect remains in military custody and is currently undergoing interrogation as security agencies intensify efforts to dismantle the criminal network and track down other collaborators linked to the arms supply chain.
The Nigerian Army said the successful operations reflect its continued determination to protect lives and property while sustaining offensive operations against terrorists, kidnappers, and criminal elements threatening peace and security in the region.
Residents were also urged to support security agencies with timely and credible information that could assist ongoing operations and improve security across affected communities.
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