Troops Smash Deadly Gangs in Kogi, Neutralise Notorious Bandit Leader
Troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under Operation ACCORD III in synergy with Other Hybrid Forces (OHF), have achieved a major success in the fight against banditry and violent crime in Kogi State.
In a statement signed by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, the breakthrough came on 11 September 2025, when troops acting on credible intelligence laid an ambush at a suspected bandit crossing point within Ofere Forest and Ayetoro Gbede general area.
Although no contact was initially made, the soldiers encountered an ambush staged by the criminals during their withdrawal. In the ensuing firefight, the troops unleashed superior firepower, neutralising one bandit on the spot.
A sweep of the area led to the recovery of:
- 1 fully loaded magazine
- 31 mobile phones
- A blood pressure machine
- Packs of Tramadol tablets
- Fetish charms
- ₦16,000 cash
Bloodstains at the scene indicated that several bandits fled with gunshot wounds. Follow-up intelligence later confirmed that Babangida Kachala, a notorious criminal and second-in-command to Kachala Shuaibu, was among those hit. He was later confirmed dead.
The Army noted that Kachala’s gang has long terrorised Masalaci Boka and Ofere Forest areas, and his elimination marks a major setback for criminal networks in the state.
Troops of 12 Brigade have since intensified patrols and ambushes, dominating their areas of responsibility with sustained pressure aimed at totally eliminating bandit elements in Kogi.
“The Nigerian Army reassures the good people of Kogi State of its determination to restore lasting peace and security while urging citizens to provide timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations,” the statement read.
With morale and fighting efficiency described as “high,” the Army says it will continue to sustain momentum until peace is fully restored across the state.
