The Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade, in collaboration with other security forces, has achieved a significant victory in its efforts to combat banditry in Kogi State. According to Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, spokesperson for the Brigade, a notorious bandit deputy commander, Babangida Kachala, was neutralized on September 11.

The operation, which was carried out under the auspices of Operation Accord III, began with credible intelligence on the movement of bandits within Ofere Forest and Ayetoro Gbede general area, in Ijumu Local Government Area. A combined force of troops laid an ambush at a suspected bandit crossing point, and although initial contact was not made, they encountered an ambush staged by the bandits while withdrawing to base.

In the ensuing firefight, the troops engaged the bandits with superior firepower, neutralizing one of the criminals. Several items were recovered, including a fully loaded magazine, 31 mobile phones, a blood pressure machine, packs of Tramadol tablets, fetish charms, and N16,000 cash. The troops observed bloodstains at the scene, suggesting that several other bandits escaped with gunshot wounds.

Subsequent intelligence confirmed that Babangida Kachala was among those who fled with gunshot wounds and was later confirmed dead. The Nigerian Army has reassured the people of Kogi of its determination to restore lasting peace and security, and has encouraged citizens to provide timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.

The neutralization of Babangida Kachala, who was second-in-command to Kachala Bala Shuaibu, the leader of a bandit group operating in the state, is a significant blow to the banditry network in Kogi. The Army’s efforts to combat banditry have been ongoing, and this latest victory demonstrates the effectiveness of the security forces’ strategies.

The Nigerian Army’s Operation Accord III is part of a broader effort to address security challenges in the region. The operation aims to restore peace and stability, and to protect civilians from the threat of banditry. With the morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remaining high, the Army is sustaining unrelenting pressure on the bandits, and is committed to bringing an end to the menace of banditry in Kogi State.