Kogi Security Alert: Nigerian Forces Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Fresh Operation

Nigerian forces, troops of the 12 Brigade, have arrested a man suspected of involvement in terrorist activities after he was allegedly found loitering near a military position in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The suspect was arrested at about 8:30 p.m. on September 18, 2026, by troops stationed at a blocking position in Taki, according to military sources cited by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama.

Suspect Identified as Niger State Herder

Preliminary interrogation reportedly indicated that the suspect is a herder from Ndaakwu Village in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.

Military personnel also recovered a mobile phone from the suspect. An initial examination of the device allegedly revealed communications suspected to be connected with terrorist activities.

However, the nature and extent of the alleged communications have not been disclosed, while investigators are expected to establish whether the suspect has any operational or logistical links to terrorist groups.

Cash, Phone and Other Items Recovered

Items recovered during the arrest reportedly included a wristwatch, a small mirror and ₦83,500 in cash, in addition to the mobile phone.

The suspect remains in military custody as investigations continue into his identity, movements and possible links to terrorist activities.

The military investigation is also expected to determine whether the items recovered and the communications found on the phone have any connection with criminal or terrorist operations.

Kogi Security Operations Continue

The arrest comes amid continuing security operations in Kogi State, where security agencies have carried out operations against suspected kidnappers and other criminal elements.

The Bureau Journal previously reported the interception of an arms cache in Kogi during a security operation, highlighting the security concerns surrounding the movement of weapons and suspected criminal networks in the state.

In another operation, troops reportedly arrested suspected terrorists in the Ajaokuta area of Kogi State.

Security agencies have also responded to kidnapping incidents across the state. Previous reports by The Bureau Journal include the kidnapping of NYSC members in Kogi and a subsequent operation in which 21 victims were reportedly rescued and four suspected kidnappers killed.

Authorities have also continued efforts to strengthen the legal framework for combating terrorism and other violent crimes, including developments around the Kogi Assembly bill targeting terrorists and criminals.

Investigation Underway

The arrest does not by itself establish that the suspect is a terrorist or that he participated in any terrorist operation. Those questions remain subject to the ongoing investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings.

For now, the suspect remains in military custody while investigators examine the contents of the recovered phone and other available evidence to determine his possible connections and the circumstances surrounding his presence near the military position in Taki.