Headlines

Troops rescue abducted orphanage victims, arrest ammunition courier in Kogi‎‎


‎By Chimezie Godfrey

‎Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued kidnapped victims from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage and arrested a suspected terrorist ammunition courier in Kogi State.

‎The operations were carried out by troops of 12 Brigade under Operation TIGER PAW II on May 6, 2026.

‎This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Hassan Abdullahi.

‎According to Abdullahi, troops rescued the victims following sustained search-and-rescue operations around the Agbaja Forest area in Lokoja Local Government Area.

‎The Army spokesman stated that the rescued victims included five boys, two girls, and two adult women.

‎According to the statement, the victims were evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre for treatment and were reported to be in stable condition.

‎In a separate operation, troops also arrested a suspect identified as Yahaya Umar along the Obajana–Lokoja road.

‎Abdullahi disclosed that the suspect was allegedly found with 500 rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition concealed inside a bag of maize.

‎The statement further revealed that preliminary investigations linked the suspect to the movement of arms and ammunition for terrorist elements operating within the North Central region.

‎According to the Army spokesman, the suspect remains in custody while investigations continue.

‎The Army added that the operations reflected its commitment to combating terrorism and protecting lives and property.