A dawn ambush by soldiers of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army has left at least one terrorist dead and several others injured along a known bandit route inside the Adankolo Forest Reserve in Lokoja Local Government Area.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Sunday, was triggered by intelligence pointing to suspicious movement within the forest.
Troops from the brigade’s Quick Response Group set up a concealed position near a crossing point frequently used by criminals. When the suspects appeared, the military opened fire, sparking a brief but intense gun battle.
By the time the shooting stopped, one terrorist had been neutralized on the spot. The rest of the group scattered into thick vegetation, with blood trails suggesting multiple gunshot wounds among the fleeing fighters.
Searching the scene afterward, the troops unearthed a significant weapons haul: two AK-47 rifles, a locally fabricated pistol, six magazines, and 145 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Other seized items included a military-style camouflage bandolier, a Honda motorcycle, Diclofenac pain relief medication, three mobile phones, three power banks, and cash amounting to ₦62,900.
This strike is part of a broader security drive, Operation TIGER PAW II, aimed at choking terrorist movement along major roads and forest belts in Kogi and neighboring states. According to military sources, follow-up patrols are now sweeping the surrounding bush to hunt down the wounded escapees.
In a brief statement, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, acting spokesperson for 12 Brigade, described the operation as another success in ongoing efforts to restore calm to communities long troubled by insurgent activity.
He also appealed to local residents to report anyone seen seeking treatment for bullet wounds in nearby clinics or villages.
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