Army Intercepts 314 Rounds of Ammunition, Arrests Terror Couriers in Kogi

Army Intercepts 314 Rounds of Ammunition, Arrests Terror Couriers in Kogi

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade have recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorist logistics networks in Nigeria, intercepting suspected couriers and recovering 314 rounds of ammunition in Kogi State.

The operation, carried out in Kogi State, followed more than three months of sustained intelligence-driven efforts aimed at disrupting the movement of arms and supplies used by criminal and terrorist groups operating across the North-Central region.

Military authorities revealed that on March 29, troops deployed along the Jamata–Owara road in Lokoja Local Government Area intercepted a suspect transporting items on a motorcycle. Investigations showed the motorcycle had been modified with a concealed compartment specifically designed for covert ammunition transport—highlighting the evolving tactics of arms traffickers.

The suspect was subsequently linked to known terrorist elements, prompting intensified follow-up operations that led to the arrest of Mathew Elisha, also known as Nasara. He was described by security operatives as a high-profile ammunition courier who had been on a watch list.

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In a separate but related operation on April 20, soldiers mounted a checkpoint along the Obajana–Kabba road in Lokoja LGA, where they intercepted a Toyota bus travelling from Makurdi to Obajana. Two suspects—Zubairu Abubakar and Adamu Abubakar Abdullahi—were arrested during the stop-and-search exercise.

A detailed search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 314 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and three AK-47 magazines, which had been carefully concealed behind the driver’s seat. Additional items recovered included mobile phones, a driver’s licence, a National Identification Number slip, and an identity card, all of which are expected to support ongoing investigations.

The Nigerian Army confirmed that the suspects and recovered exhibits have been handed over to the 12 Military Intelligence Brigade for further interrogation and intelligence exploitation.

Security officials say the operation underscores ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal arms trafficking in Nigeria, which continues to fuel banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violent crime. Kogi State, due to its strategic location linking northern and southern parts of the country, remains a critical transit route for such illicit activities.

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive, intelligence-led operations to curb insecurity and disrupt supply chains supporting criminal networks. It also called on members of the public to provide timely and credible information to aid security agencies in their operations.

The latest development highlights a broader strategy by the military to weaken insurgent groups by targeting not only fighters but also the logistics systems that sustain them, including ammunition couriers and supply routes.

Army Intercepts 314 Rounds of Ammunition, Arrests Terror Couriers in Kogi