Troops of the 12 Brigade of Nigerian Army have recorded significant operational successes in Kogi State, rescuing abducted victims and foiling a terrorist logistics movement in separate but coordinated operations on Wednesday.
A statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, explained that in a major breakthrough under Operation Tiger Paw II, troops successfully rescued the remaining abducted victims from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage following sustained search and rescue efforts.
Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi noted that acting on credible intelligence and maintaining persistent operational pressure, troops of the Brigade’s Blocking Force intercepted and recovered the victims within the Agbaja Forest general area in Lokoja Local Government Area.
The rescued victims comprised five boys, two girls, and two adult females, believed to be the wives of the proprietor of the orphanage. They were promptly evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre where they received immediate medical attention and first aid. All victims are reported to be in stable condition.
In a related development on the same day, troops acting on credible intelligence on the activities of an arms and ammunition syndicate intercepted and apprehended a suspected terrorist ammunition courier identified as Yahaya Umar along the Obajana–Lokoja Road in Lokoja Local Government Area.
The suspect was found in possession of 500 rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition concealed inside a bag of maize.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Yahaya Umar is a key logistics courier involved in the movement of arms and ammunition for terrorists across states within the North-Central region.
The ammunition was handed over to him at Obajana Forest and was being transported to Dikko Junction in Suleja, Niger State.The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further interrogation at 12 Military Intelligence Regiment to aid ongoing operations aimed at dismantling the criminal network.
The Brigade reassured the public that the Nigerian Army remains fully committed to protecting lives and property by maintaining a robust presence and denying terrorists freedom of movement and logistics support within the operational environment.
Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
