Nigerian Army Neutralizes Notorious Bandit Leader in Kogi State
Troops from the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, operating under Operation ACCORD III in collaboration with Other Hybrid Forces (OHF), have successfully eliminated a notorious bandit leader identified as Babangida Kachala in Kogi State.
Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 12 Brigade, made the announcement in a statement on Saturday. He explained that on September 11, 2025, based on credible intelligence regarding the movement of bandits in the Ofere Forest and Ayetoro Gbede areas, the combined forces set an ambush at a suspected bandit crossing point.
Lieutenant Abdullahi further detailed that although initial contact did not occur, the troops encountered an ambush set by the bandits during their withdrawal. In the resulting exchange of gunfire, the troops exhibited superior firepower, neutralizing one of the criminals. Following this engagement, they conducted an area sweep and recovered several items, including one fully loaded magazine, 31 mobile phones, a blood pressure machine, packs of Tramadol tablets, fetish charms, and ₦16,000 in cash.
Bloodstains at the scene indicated that other bandits escaped with gunshot wounds. Subsequent intelligence confirmed that among those who fled was Babangida Kachala, recognized as a notorious bandit and second-in-command to Kachala Shuaibu, the leader of a group operating in the Masalaci Boka and Ofere Forest regions of Kogi State. It was later confirmed that Kachala succumbed to his injuries.
Lieutenant Abdullahi assured the public that the troops of the 12 Brigade remain vigilant in their responsibilities, continuing patrols and ambushes aimed at thoroughly dismantling banditry and criminal activities within Kogi State.
He emphasized that the morale and combat effectiveness of the troops are high as they maintain pressure on criminal elements. The Nigerian Army urges the peace-loving citizens of Kogi State to assist by providing timely and credible information to support ongoing operations aimed at restoring lasting peace and security.
