By STEPHEN ADELEYE

The Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade Lokoja, under Operation Accord III, in conjunction with Other Hybrid Forces (OHF), has recorded another significant victory in its fight against banditry in Kogi.

The Brigade’s spokesperson, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, said in a statement on Saturday that a notorious bandit deputy commander, Babangida Kachala, was neutralized on Sept. 11.

The News Agency of Nigeria NAN) reports that notorious bandit commander, Babangida Kachalla, and five others have been neutralised.

“In a bold operation on September 11, 2025, the troops neutralized Babangida Kachala, a notorious bandit and second-in-command to Kachala Bala Shuaibu, the leader of a bandit group operating in the state.

“The operation began with credible intelligence on the movement of bandits within Ofere Forest and Ayetoro Gbede general area, in Ijumu Local Government Area.

“This prompted the combined troops to lay an ambush at a suspected bandit crossing point.

“Although the initial contact was not made, the troops encountered an ambush staged by the bandits while withdrawing to base.

“In the ensuing firefight, the troops engaged the bandits with superior firepower, neutralising one of the criminals.

“During the operation, the troops recovered several items, including: one 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,” Abdullahi said.

The Nigerian Army reassured the good people of Kogi of its determination to restore lasting peace and security.

The Army encouraged citizens to provide timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.

The morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remain high as they sustain unrelenting pressure on the bandits. (NAN)