Soldiers kill suspected terrorist, recover firearms in Kogi

Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have neutralised a suspected terrorist operating within Kogi State.

This came following a coordinated ambush along bandit crossing points in the Adankolo Forest Reserve, Lokoja Local Government Area of the state.

The Army disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi.

According to the statement, the operation was carried out based on credible intelligence regarding the movement of suspected terrorists within the area.

“Acting on credible intelligence on the movement of suspected terrorists within the general area, troops from 12 Brigade Quick Response Group laid in wait at a suspected crossing point in the early hours of Sunday, May 10, 2026.

“During the operation, the troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them in a firefight, neutralising one terrorist while others fled with gunshot wounds into the surrounding bush,” the statement read.

Abdullahi added that troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, one fabricated pistol, six magazines, and 145 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during the operation.

He further stated that other items recovered included one camouflage bandolier, one Honda motorcycle, Diclofenac medication, three mobile phones, three power banks, and the sum of N62,900.

He noted that the successful operation formed part of ongoing efforts by the 12 Brigade under Operation TIGER PAW II to deny terrorists freedom of action and improve security along major routes and communities within Kogi State and adjoining areas.

It added that troops were currently combing the area to track and apprehend the fleeing terrorists.

Recall that on Saturday, troops of the Operation HADIN KAI neutralised no fewer than 50 suspected Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists during a coordinated attack on the Headquarters of 27 Brigade in Buni Gari, Yobe State.