Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade have recorded major operational successes in Kogi State after rescuing kidnapped victims linked to the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage and intercepting a suspected terrorist ammunition courier transporting hundreds of rounds of ammunition across the North Central region.
The operations, conducted on May 6, 2026, formed part of the ongoing Operation TIGER PAW II aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and criminal hideouts within the region. Military authorities said the rescue mission followed sustained search-and-rescue efforts backed by credible intelligence and coordinated operational pressure on criminal elements operating within the Agbaja Forest axis of Lokoja Local Government Area.
According to the Nigerian Army, troops attached to the Brigade’s Blocking Force successfully intercepted and recovered the remaining kidnapped victims from the orphanage within the forest area. The rescued victims included five boys, two girls, and two adult women believed to be wives of the proprietor of the orphanage.
The Army disclosed that the victims were immediately evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre, where they received medical attention and first aid treatment. Authorities confirmed that all the rescued victims are currently in stable condition.
In a separate operation carried out the same day, troops acting on intelligence reportedly foiled a suspected terrorist logistics movement along the Obajana–Lokoja road. Security operatives arrested a suspect identified as Yahaya Umar, who was allegedly transporting ammunition concealed inside a bag of maize in an attempt to evade security checks.
Military sources revealed that troops recovered 500 rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition from the suspect during the interception. Preliminary investigations reportedly identified the suspect as a key logistics courier linked to arms supply operations for terrorist groups operating across parts of the North Central region.
The Army further disclosed that investigations showed the ammunition was allegedly handed over to the suspect at Obajana Forest and was being transported to Dikko Junction in Suleja, Niger State, for delivery to another suspected terrorist operative yet to be identified.
Authorities said the suspect remains in military custody and is undergoing further interrogation as security agencies intensify efforts to dismantle the wider criminal syndicate behind the illegal movement of arms and ammunition.
