The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has urged Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) across the Nigerian Army to reinforce the “warrior ethos” among troops as part of efforts to sustain combat effectiveness and professionalism in ongoing security operations.
The call came as troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army recorded major operational successes in Kogi State, rescuing kidnapped victims and intercepting a suspected terrorist ammunition courier in separate operations conducted on May 6, 2026.
According to a statement released by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, troops operating under Operation TIGER PAW II rescued the remaining victims abducted from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage after sustained search-and-rescue efforts in the Agbaja Forest area of Lokoja Local Government Area.
“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,” the statement said.
The rescued victims included five boys, two girls, and two adult women believed to be wives of the orphanage proprietor. The Army said the victims were immediately evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre for treatment and first aid.
“All victims are reported to be in stable condition,” Abdullahi added.
In a related operation, troops reportedly intercepted a suspected ammunition courier along the Obajana–Lokoja road in Lokoja Local Government Area.
The suspect, identified as Yahaya Umar, was allegedly found with 500 rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition hidden inside a bag of maize.
The Army said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was part of a logistics network responsible for moving arms and ammunition for terrorist groups operating across Nigeria’s North Central region.
According to the statement, the ammunition was allegedly handed over to the suspect at Obajana Forest and was being transported to Dikko Junction in Niger State for delivery to an unidentified terrorist operative.
“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,” the statement added.
The Nigerian Army said the successful operations reflect its continued commitment to protecting lives and property while intensifying pressure on terrorist groups and their collaborators.
The Army also called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping operations across the country.
