Troops Strike Terror Network In Kogi, Rescue Kidnap Victims

May 07, (THEWILL) — Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have struck a suspected terror logistics network in Kogi State, rescuing kidnapped victims and intercepting a major ammunition courier in coordinated operations conducted on May 6, 2026, under Operation Tiger Paw II.

In a decisive breakthrough, troops successfully rescued kidnapped victims linked to the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage following sustained search-and-rescue operations. Acting on credible intelligence and maintaining operational pressure, personnel of the Brigade’s Blocking Force intercepted and recovered the victims within the Agbaja Forest axis in Lokoja Local Government Area.

A statement issued by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, disclosed that the rescued victims include five boys, two girls, and two adult females believed to be wives of the proprietor of the orphanage.

They were immediately evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre, where they received urgent medical attention and first aid. Medical officials confirmed that all victims are in stable condition.

In a related development on the same day, troops acting on credible intelligence on the activities of an arms and ammunition trafficking network intercepted a suspected courier along the Obajana–Lokoja highway in Lokoja Local Government Area.

The suspect, identified as Yahaya Umar, 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.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is a key logistics link in a wider terrorist supply chain operating across the North Central region. Further interrogation revealed 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 recipient believed to be connected to terrorist operations.

The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further interrogation to aid ongoing intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling the criminal network and tracking down other members of the syndicate.

Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to support ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping operations.

Man lying on hospital bed with IV in left arm, face pixelated, wearing a teal shirt; phone resting on bed nearby. Open white plastic bag on dirt ground filled with spent ammunition rounds; toes and sandals visible at the top. Group of children sitting on a log under a large tree in a dusty village yard, with huts in the background, relaxing and talking together. Person in an orange jumpsuit sits outdoors on a wrapped bundle or sack, a long ammunition belt draped over the bundle; the face is pixelated and green plants surround them. Piles of rifle ammunition on dirt beside a torn black bag spilling yellow corn and a blue handheld device. Woman wearing a dark blue hijab sits beside a hospital bed where a man lies, connected to an IV drip in his left arm. Group of children standing in a dusty rural field, some wearing headscarves, posing for the photo with a handwritten sign held by two kids in the center (GPS watermark bottom right).

Felix Ifijeh, THEWILL

Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.