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.”
The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 29-year-old man, Abubakar Musa, over alleged ritual desecration of the Holy Qur’an in Zuru Local Government Area of the state.
The spokesperson for the command, SP Bashir Usman, who disclosed this in a statement on 14th August 2026, said the suspect was arrested in connection with alleged criminal conspiracy, abuse of religious books, use of spells and hypnosis, and inciting disturbance.
According to the PPRO, on August 9, 2026, Musa and two other suspects, Rabi’u Tela and Hamza Zango, allegedly dug a pit and buried a copy of the Holy Qur’an, together with semen, white and red kolanuts, underwear, d3ad animals, and other fetish items.
The police spokesperson said the act was allegedly intended to make Rabi’u Tela’s wife Zarau Hassan more submissive to him.
“The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested Abubakar Musa, male, 29, of Rafin Mose Village, Zuru LGA, in connection with a case of criminal conspiracy, abuse of religious books, use of spells and hypnosis, and inciting disturbance,” the statement read.
“The incident occurred on 9th August 2026, at about 1900hrs, at Zango Area, Zuru. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly conspired with two others; Rabi’u Tela, husband of Zarau Hassan, and Hamza Zango, both now at large, to dig a pit inside Zarau Hassan’s room and bury therein a copy of the Holy Qur’an, together with semen, white and red kolanuts, underwear, dead animals, and other fetish items.
“The act was allegedly intended to make Zarau Hassan more submissive to her husband, Rabi’u Tela, and was carried out in circumstances capable of provoking a breach of the peace among the Muslim faithful in the community.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the two fleeing suspects, while Abubakar Musa remains in police custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar M. Hadejia, psc, MNIM, strongly condemns the alleged act and warns that the Command will deal decisively, within the law, with individuals whose actions threaten religious harmony, public order, and peaceful coexistence.
“Members of the public are urged to promptly report suspicious activities to the Police through 09039911876 or 07081074395. All information will be treated with utmost confidentiality.”
Gunmen have abducted 14 passengers travelling along the Otukpo–Adoka road in Benue State.
The incident occurred on Thursday night, August 13, 2026 when an 18-seater commercial bus travelling from Enugu State to Abuja was reportedly ambushed along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area.
A resident, Ochai, who spoke with punch on Friday, said the gunmen forced all the passengers into the surrounding forest.
“Some gunmen ambushed an 18-seater bus heading to Abuja between Omutele and Ankpechi along Otukpo -Adola road yesterday (Thursday) night. All the passengers in the vehicle were whisked away by the gunmen,” he said.
The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Peter Aondongu, who confirmed the incident in a statement said five of the victims have so far been rescued.
According to the PPRO, the police launched a coordinated rescue operation early Friday.
Aondongu said the operation involved an exchange of gunfire between the security operatives and the kidnappers.
“The Benue State Police Command has confirmed a kidnapping incident involving a commercial passenger bus travelling from Enugu State to Abuja along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area on the night of 13 August 2026,” the statement read
“Following the incident, operatives of the command commenced a coordinated rescue operation early this (Friday) morning. The operation, which involved an exchange of gunfire, has so far resulted in the successful rescue of five victims, including a four-year-old boy, while nine others remain in the custody of the suspected kidnappers.”
The police spokesperson disclosed that one of the rescued victims sustained a gunshot injury during the operation and was taken to a medical facility in Otukpo for treatment.
He said the police, working with other security agencies, had intensified efforts to secure the release of the remaining nine victims.
According to Aondongu, the operation was being conducted cautiously, with the safety of the abducted passengers prioritised.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Cletus Nwadiogbu, also assured the victims’ families and members of the public that efforts would continue until the remaining passengers were rescued.
He urged residents of the affected communities to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information that could aid the rescue operation.