Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army have achieved significant operational successes in Kogi State, executing coordinated rescue and interdiction operations on 6 May 2026 that have dealt substantial blows to terrorist logistics networks operating across the North Central region.
Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, disclosed the breakthroughs in a statement, confirming the successful liberation of nine persons held by terrorists and the disruption of a critical arms supply corridor.
In a decisive action designated Operation TIGER PAW II, troops of the Brigade’s Blocking Force successfully rescued nine kidnapped victims from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage following sustained search and rescue
operations. The victims were located within the Agbaja Forest general area in
Lokoja Local Government Area.
The rescued persons comprise five boys, two girls, and two adult females—the
wives of the orphanage proprietor. All were evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre where medical teams administered immediate medical attention and first aid. Current reports indicate all victims are in stable condition.
The rescue operation was mounted on the strength of credible intelligence and
persistent operational pressure maintained by brigade elements throughout the search area.
In a parallel operation on the same date, troops intercepted a suspected terrorist ammunition courier along the Obajana–Lokoja road in Lokoja Local
Government Area.
The suspect, identified as Yahaya Umar, was arrested in possession of 500
rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition. The ammunition had been concealed inside a bag of maize in an attempt to evade checkpoint detection.
Preliminary interrogation has established that Umar is a key logistics
operative involved in the movement of arms and ammunition for terrorist organisations across the North Central region. Intelligence extracted during questioning indicates the ammunition originated from Obajana Forest and was destined for delivery at Dikko Junction in Suleja, Niger State, to an unnamed terrorist cell.
Umar remains in custody undergoing detailed interrogation. The Nigerian Army added that this apprehension has yielded critical intelligence regarding
terrorist logistics networks and supply routes. Further operations are underway to dismantle the criminal syndicate and apprehend additional members.
The operations underscore the 12 Brigade’s commitment to degrading terrorist operational capacity and restoring security to Kogi State and surrounding areas
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