Nigerian Army Intercepts Suspected Terrorist Ammo Couriers in Kogi State

In a significant counter‑terrorism operation, troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army intercepted two suspected terrorist logistics couriers and recovered a substantial cache of ammunition in Kogi State on 20 April 2026. The raid follows the recent arrest of high‑profile ammunition courier Mathew Elisha (alias Nasara), who had been on security watch lists.

According to Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 12 Brigade, the operation was intelligence‑driven. Troops deployed at the Response Area Oshokoshoko set up a snap checkpoint on the Obajana–Kabba road in Lokoja Local Government Area, where they stopped a Toyota bus traveling from Makurdi to Obajana. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the arrest of two suspects, identified as Mallam Zubairu Abubakar and Adamu Abubakar Abdullahi.

The search uncovered a concealed compartment behind the driver’s seat containing a sack with 314 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition and three AK‑47 rifle magazines. Additional items recovered included two mobile phones, a driver’s licence, a National Identification Number slip and an identity card. The suspects and the seized material have been handed over to the 12 Military Intelligence Brigade for further investigation and appropriate action.

Lieutenant Abdullahi emphasized that such operations are part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist supply chains and prevent the movement of weapons and ammunition that could fuel insurgency and criminal activity in the region. The success of the raid highlights the importance of intelligence gathering and rapid response capabilities in maintaining security in Nigeria’s volatile areas. By intercepting these logistics couriers, the Nigerian Army delivered a significant blow to terrorist operations, removed potential threats and obtained valuable intelligence that could lead to further disruptions of terrorist networks. The action sends a clear message to those supporting terrorist activities that their operations are being closely monitored and will be met with decisive action.