RismadarVoice Reporters
May 7, 2026
Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have rescued kidnapped victims from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage and intercepted a suspected terrorist ammunition courier in separate operations conducted in Kogi State.
The Army said the operations, carried out on May 6 under Operation TIGER PAW II, led to the rescue of nine abducted persons following sustained search and rescue efforts in the Agbaja Forest area of Lokoja Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the rescued victims included five boys, two girls and two adult women believed to be wives of the orphanage proprietor.
The statement said the victims were recovered by troops of the Brigade’s Blocking Force acting on credible intelligence and sustained operational pressure on the kidnappers.
“The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre where they received prompt medical attention and first aid. All victims are reported to be in stable condition,” the statement said.
In a related operation on the same day, troops intercepted a suspected terrorist logistics courier identified as Yahaya Umar along the Obajana–Lokoja road.
The suspect was reportedly arrested while transporting 500 rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition concealed inside a bag of maize.
Military authorities said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was part of an arms and ammunition supply network operating across the North Central region.
According to the Army, 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 an unidentified terrorist operative.
The suspect is currently in military custody and undergoing further interrogation.
The Nigerian Army said the operations reflected its commitment to combating terrorism and criminality, while urging members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.
