Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have recorded a major operational breakthrough under Operation IGBO IDANU I, successfully overrunning a key terrorist hideout in Kogi State, and recovering significant quantities of arms and ammunition, the Army confirmed in a statement on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
According to the Nigerian Army’s official account, the offensive dealt a decisive strategic blow against a notorious terrorist network reputedly linked to individuals identified as Kachalla Ibrahim and Shu’aibu, significantly disrupting their operational capability in the region.
The operation was characterised by a determined advance through dense forests, challenging terrain, and multiple riverine obstacles, with troops displaying exceptional resilience and tactical discipline despite severe movement constraints caused by fallen trees and marshy ground.
Led personally by Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, the Commander of the 12 Brigade, soldiers dismounted and pressed forward on foot to achieve tactical surprise and operational dominance, enabling them to penetrate deep into the terrorists’ enclave.
Upon reaching the hideout, troops completely cleared the camp, forcing the insurgents to flee on sighting the advancing force. Though the militants escaped, the Nigerian Army conducted a thorough exploitation of the objective, uncovering and securing vital military supplies abandoned in their retreat.
Among the items recovered were eight boxes of 7.62 x 54 link ammunition — each containing bandoliers of 250 rounds — and one box of high-velocity grenades, a haul the Army said has “significantly degraded” the terrorists’ logistical base and capacity to sustain future operations.
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Following the clearance, the abandoned terrorist camp was systematically destroyed and set ablaze to deny any possibility of reoccupation by hostile elements, as troops continued aggressive patrols and offensive operations in the surrounding area to exploit the success and prevent regrouping.
The Army’s statement emphasised that the outcome of Operation IGBO IDANU I sends a “clear and resounding message” that terrorist hideouts will continue to be identified and neutralised as part of the military’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding lives and protecting communities across Kogi and neighbouring states.
Security analysts note that the success in Kogi comes against a backdrop of sustained military offensives in the state, where troops have been actively engaging criminal networks within forest enclaves around the Lokoja axis and have previously carried out operations resulting in the rescue of kidnapped victims and the recovery of arms caches.
Residents and local leaders have welcomed the Army’s statement, expressing hope that continued pressure on terrorist groups will lead to greater stability, reduced kidnappings, and lasting peace for communities long affected by insecurity across Kogi State and the broader central region of Nigeria.
