- Nigerian Army kills three bandits during intelligence-led operations in Kogi
- Troops recover AK-47 rifles and large cache of ammunition
- Suspected bandit logistics supplier arrested in Yagba West
- Army vows sustained pressure on criminal networks
Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed three bandits and arrested a suspected logistics supplier during coordinated security operations across Kabba Bunu and Yagba West Local Government Areas of Kogi State, the military has confirmed.
The successful operations were carried out on January 3, 2026, by troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, following actionable intelligence on the movement of armed bandits from the Adankolo axis toward Agbadu Bunu in Kabba Bunu Local Government Area
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According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, troops swiftly mobilised and laid an ambush along a known crossing route used by the criminals.
“The bandits ran into the troops’ ambush position and were engaged. They withdrew in disarray with clear signs of casualties, as blood stains were observed during area exploitation,” Abdullahi said.
During the encounter, two bandits were neutralised, while troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, 99 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one locally fabricated firearm, and 11 cartridges.
Further intelligence later revealed fresh bandit movement around Saminaka village in Yagba West LGA, prompting troops, alongside local vigilantes, to conduct a fighting patrol into the area and surrounding forest routes.
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On arrival, the village was found deserted. Troops advanced into nearby forests and made contact with bandits, forcing them to retreat.
“Subsequent exploitation led to the discovery of one neutralised bandit, one AK-47 rifle, and 17 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition,” the statement added.
In the same operation, troops arrested a suspected bandit logistics supplier, Sunday Adedotun, from Odo Eri village in Yagba West. He was apprehended on a farmland within Saminaka village.
Items recovered from the location included cartons of energy drinks, soft drinks, bottled water, and harvested farm produce, believed to be supplies meant for armed groups operating in the area. The suspect is currently in custody and assisting investigators.
Commending the troops, the Commander, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Kasim Sidi, praised their professionalism and swift response to intelligence.
He assured residents that the Army would continue aggressive patrols, ambushes, and intelligence-driven operations to dismantle criminal networks and deny bandits freedom of movement across Kogi State.
