Army arrests three terrorist logistics couriers in Kogi

Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have arrested three suspected terrorist logistics couriers in Kogi State.

The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lt. Hassan Abdulahi, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

He said troops initially arrested a suspected terrorist courier riding a motorcycle at the Lokoja end of the Lokoja–Abuja Expressway.

According to him, the arrest was made by troops deployed along the Jamata–Owara axis in Lokoja Local Government Area.

Abdulahi identified the suspect as Mathew Elisha, also known as Nasara, who had been on a security watchlist for some time.

“Troops further carried out an intensive search on the motorcycle, which revealed it had been specially modified with a concealed compartment for the covert conveyance of ammunition, in addition to other items.

“Preliminary findings also established links between the suspect and known terrorist elements, leading to follow-on operations,” he said.

He added that following the arrest of the high-profile ammunition courier, troops recorded another operational success by intercepting two additional suspected terrorist logistics couriers and recovering a large cache of ammunition.

Abdulahi explained that the operation, conducted on April 20, 2026, followed credible intelligence on the movement of suspected terrorist logistics elements within the Brigade’s area of responsibility.

“Acting swiftly on the report, troops deployed at Response Area Oshokoshoko mounted a snap checkpoint along the Obajana–Kabba Road in Lokoja Local Government Area.

“During the operation, troops intercepted a Toyota bus conveying the suspects en route to Obajana from Makurdi. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the arrest of two suspected terrorist logistics couriers identified as Mallam Zubairu Abubakar and Adamu Abubakar Abdullahi,” he said.

He further stated that a search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a sack containing 314 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition and three AK-47 rifle magazines concealed behind the driver’s seat.

Other items recovered from the suspects include two mobile phones, a driver’s licence, a National Identification Number slip, and an identity card.

Abdulahi said the suspects and recovered items had been handed over to the 12 Military Intelligence Regiment for further investigation and necessary action.

This successful interception underscores the vigilance and proactive posture of troops in denying terrorists freedom of movement and disrupting their logistics network within the operational environment,” he added