Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade, operating under Operation Accord III, have dealt a significant blow to bandit networks in Kogi State, neutralizing a notorious second-in-command and recovering arms, drugs, and other items.
The operation, conducted in collaboration with Other Hybrid Forces (OHF), took place on Thursday, 11 September, 2025 after intelligence reports revealed the movement of armed bandits around Ofere Forest and Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area.
According to military sources, the troops initially set an ambush at a suspected crossing point but later came under fire while withdrawing. In the ensuing exchange, the soldiers overpowered the bandits, killing one and forcing others to flee with injuries.
During exploitation of the scene, troops recovered a fully loaded magazine, 31 mobile phones, a blood pressure monitoring device, packs of Tramadol tablets, charms, and N16,000 in cash. Bloodstains at the site suggested multiple bandit casualties.
Follow-up intelligence confirmed that Babangida Kachala, the second-in-command to notorious bandit leader Kachala Shuaibu, sustained fatal gunshot wounds during the clash and later died. His group had been active around Masalaci Boka and Ofere Forest.
The Army stated that 12 Brigade troops continue to maintain dominance in the area through aggressive patrols and ambushes, aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts across Kogi State. It further assured residents of its commitment to restoring peace and urged locals to provide credible information to support ongoing operations.
