Army Arrests Four Suspected Terrorists, Collaborators in Kogi, Kwara Operations

Army Arrests Four Suspected Terrorists, Collaborators in Kogi, Kwara Operations

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested four suspected terrorists and collaborators during separate intelligence-led security operations carried out in Kogi and Kwara states as part of ongoing efforts to curb criminal activities and strengthen security across vulnerable communities in the North-Central region.

According to security sources, two suspects were arrested in Kogi State by troops of the 12 Brigade working in collaboration with local vigilantes during a fighting patrol operation in Ajaokuta Local Government Area.

The operation reportedly took place around 9:00 a.m. on May 19 along the Eganyi–Atabatam–Epiri–Ebatoto–Idebe axis following sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering targeting suspected criminal movements within the area.

During the coordinated patrol, troops apprehended the suspects and recovered one motorcycle, a machete and a mobile phone believed to be linked to their activities.

Security officials said the suspects and recovered items were immediately handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Military sources disclosed that the operation forms part of intensified clearance patrols being conducted around forest corridors and remote communities considered vulnerable to criminal infiltration and armed movements.

In a separate operation in Kwara State, troops of the 22 Brigade arrested two suspected collaborators linked to terrorist activities during an intelligence-driven mission in Edu Local Government Area.

The suspects were intercepted around 11:00 a.m. on May 18 by troops stationed at Patrol Base Zambufu following intelligence reports concerning the suspected movement of arms and weapons within the area.

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During preliminary interrogation, the suspects allegedly claimed they were invited by police operatives to assist in locating a suspected terrorist hideout.

They also alleged that they witnessed individuals believed to be police officers transporting weapons to an undisclosed location.

Security authorities, however, stressed that the claims remain under active investigation and have not been independently verified.

The suspects are currently in military custody undergoing profiling and further interrogation as security agencies work to establish possible links to arms trafficking networks, terrorist logistics operations and other criminal syndicates operating within the region.

The Nigerian Army said the arrests were part of ongoing counterterrorism and anti-banditry operations aimed at dismantling criminal cells, disrupting arms supply routes and preventing the expansion of terrorist activities into North-Central states.

Kogi and Kwara states have increasingly faced security concerns in recent years due to the activities of kidnappers, armed gangs and suspected terrorist elements exploiting forested border communities connecting Niger, Kogi, Kwara and parts of the South-West.

Security analysts have repeatedly warned about attempts by armed groups to establish operational routes across the North-Central corridor due to its strategic geographic location.

Military authorities reiterated their commitment to sustaining intelligence-led offensives and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information capable of aiding ongoing operations.

Army Arrests Four Suspected Terrorists, Collaborators in Kogi, Kwara Operations