Troops of the Nigerian Army have intercepted suspected terrorists’ logistics couriers and recovered a cache of ammunition in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, April 20, 2026.

According to the statement, the operation, conducted on April 20 by troops of 12 Brigade, followed credible intelligence on the movement of suspected logistics elements within the area.

Acting on the information, troops mounted a snap checkpoint along the Obajana–Kabba road, where they intercepted a Toyota bus conveying the suspects from Makurdi toward Obajana.

The suspects were identified as Mallam Zubairu Abubakar and Adamu Abubakar Abdullahi.

In a related operation on March 29, troops intercepted another suspected courier along the Jamata–Owara road in Lokoja, where a motorcycle modified with a concealed compartment for transporting ammunition was discovered.

Further investigations led to the arrest of a high-profile suspect, Mathew Elisha, also known as Nasara, who was reportedly on a security watch list.

“Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, over a span of three months have intensified a series of operations and intelligence driven efforts aimed at cracking down on terrorists and dismantling their logistics supply networks within the operational environment,” the statement read.

“In one of such operations, troops deployed along Road Jamata–Owara in Lokoja Local Government Area on 29 March 2026, intercepted a suspected terrorist logistics courier riding a motorcycle.

“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 further established links between the suspect and known terrorist elements, leading to follow-on operations.

“Following the arrest of high-profile terrorist ammunition courier, Mathew Elisha (alias Nasara), who had been on security watch lists, troops of the Brigade recorded another operational success by intercepting two suspected terrorists’ logistics couriers and recovering a large cache of ammunition in Kogi State.

“The operation which was conducted on 20 April 2026, followed credible intelligence on the movement of suspected terrorists’ 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 Road Obajana–Kabba in Lokoja Local Government Area.

“During the operation, troops intercepted a Toyota bus conveying the suspects en route Obajana from Makurdi.

“A thorough search of the vehicle led to the arrest of two suspected terrorists’ logistics couriers identified as Mallam Zubairu Abubakar and Adamu Abubakar Abdullahi.

“Further search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of a sack containing 314 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition suspected to re establish their already dismantled network overtime and three AK-47 rifle magazines concealed behind the driver’s seat.

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

“The suspects and recovered items have been handed over to 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.”

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​​​​​​​The Nigerian Navy has intercepted and rescued three suspected stowaways aboard the merchant vessel MSC STELLA (IMO No. 9279988) off the Lagos Fairway Buoy.

The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain A A Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, April 20, 2026.

Folorunsho stated that the operation was carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT following credible intelligence from the Western Regional Control Centre, WRCC, at about 5.05 p.m. on April 19.

According to the statement, the suspects identified as Aguru Michael, a national of Benin Republic; Soye Monday, from Ondo State; and Kentobou Peter, from Delta, intended to stowaway to Europe.

“The Nigerian Navy, through personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, has successfully intercepted and rescued three suspected stowaways aboard the merchant vessel MSC STELLA (IMO No. 9279988) off the Lagos Fairway Buoy, in a continued demonstration of its Search and Rescue (SAR) and maritime security commitment,” the statement read.

“The operation followed credible intelligence received from the Western Regional Control Centre (WRCC), at about 5:05 p.m. on Sunday, 19 April 2026.

“Acting swiftly, the Quick Response Team (QRT) of NNS BEECROFT, stationed at Tarkwa Bay, was immediately deployed to the vessel’s location.

“The team successfully rescued the three suspects approximately five nautical miles off the Lagos coastline.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects illegally boarded the vessel at about 1:00 a.m. on Friday, 17 April 2026, while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port.

“The individuals identified as Aguru Michael (27), a national of the Benin Republic; Soye Monday (25), from Ondo State; and Kentobou Peter (22), from Delta State, reportedly intended to stow away to Europe.

“This recent rescue effort exemplifies the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives at sea.

“Building on previous successful SAR missions—such as the rescue of seven individuals after the collision involving a Tantita Patrol boat and a wooden vessel in Bayelsa, and the rescue and handover of three foreign stowaways aboard MT ANATOLIA in March 2026—the Navy continues to demonstrate its robust operational tempo in countering irregular migration and ensuring maritime safety across Nigeria’s waters.

“The suspects are now in the custody of NNS BEECROFT, where they are undergoing thorough investigation and administrative processing in line with established laws.

“The Nigerian Navy reaffirms its dedication to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain and maintaining effective Search and Rescue operations to combat illegal activities within the country’s territorial waters.”

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