Troops arrest suspected terrorist courier with 500 rounds of ammunition in Kogi

Friday, May 8, 2026 - Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have arrested a terrorist ammunition courier along the Obajana–Lokoja road in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State. 

Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

The suspect, identified as Yahaya Umar, was intercepted while transporting 500 rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition concealed inside a bag of maize in an attempt to evade security checks.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Umar allegedly serves as a key logistics courier involved in the movement of arms and ammunition for terrorist groups operating across several states in the region.

"Troops acting on credible intelligence on the activities of an arms and ammunition syndicate intercepted and apprehended a suspected terrorist ammunition courier along road Obajana–Lokoja in Lokoja Local Government Area,” the statement read.

"The suspect, identified as Yahaya Umar, was found in possession of 500 rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition concealed inside a bag of maize in an attempt to evade detection.

"Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is a key logistics courier involved in the movement of arms and ammunition for terrorists across states within the North Central region. 

"Further interrogation indicated that the ammunition was handed over to him at Obajana Forest and was being transported to Dikko Junction in Suleja, Niger State, for delivery to a yet-to-be-identified terrorist.

"The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further interrogation to aid ongoing operations aimed at dismantling the criminal network and apprehending other members of the syndicate.

"These coordinated successes underscore the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, while sustaining aggressive operations against terrorists and their collaborators. 

“Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts.