Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have rescued nine victims abducted from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage in Zariagi, Lokoja, Kogi State, during a coordinated security operation conducted under Operation Tiger Paw II.
The rescue operation was carried out on May 6, 2026, following sustained intelligence gathering and search efforts by troops operating within Lokoja Local Government Area.
The victims had been abducted during an attack on the orphanage about two weeks earlier, in late April 2026.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the victims were rescued after soldiers intercepted the kidnappers within the Agbaja Forest area.
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The Army said the operation was based on credible intelligence and continuous pressure mounted on criminal groups operating in the region.
Among those rescued were five boys, two girls, and two adult women believed to be wives of the proprietor of the orphanage.
Military authorities disclosed that the victims were immediately evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre, where they received first aid and medical attention.
Officials confirmed that all the rescued victims were in stable condition.
In a related operation conducted the same day, troops also intercepted a suspected ammunition courier along the Obajana-Lokoja road.
The suspect, identified as Yahaya Umar, was allegedly found transporting 500 rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition concealed inside a sack of maize.
According to the Army, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was part of a logistics network responsible for supplying arms and ammunition to terrorist groups operating within the North-Central region.
The military further stated that the suspect allegedly confessed that the ammunition was handed over to him in the Obajana Forest area and was intended for delivery at Dikko Junction in Suleja, Niger State.
The suspect remains in military custody as investigations continue to uncover other members of the alleged criminal syndicate.
The Nigerian Army described the successful operations as part of ongoing efforts to sustain pressure on terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements threatening security in Kogi State and neighbouring communities.
Residents were also urged to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information to aid ongoing security operations.
The Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage, which also serves as a school in Zariagi, was attacked by kidnappers in late April 2026. While several victims were rescued during the initial attack, the remaining nine regained freedom during the May 6 operation.
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