Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded another breakthrough against bandits in Kogi State. Soldiers of the 12 Brigade under Operation ACCORD III, working with Other Hybrid Forces (OHF), have killed Babangida Kachala, a feared bandit leader.

The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, confirmed the development in a statement on Saturday. He explained that the operation was based on credible intelligence of bandit movement around Ofere Forest and Ayetoro Gbede.

According to him, troops had laid an ambush at a suspected crossing point on 11 September 2025. Although the bandits initially escaped contact, the soldiers ran into an ambush while returning to base.

Firefight in the Forest

“In the ensuing firefight, the gallant troops engaged the bandits with superior firepower, neutralizing one of the criminals,” Abdullahi said.

The soldiers later combed the area and recovered a loaded magazine, 31 mobile phones, a blood pressure machine, packs of Tramadol, fetish charms, and ₦16,000 in cash.

Bloodstains at the scene showed more bandits fled with gunshot wounds. Intelligence later confirmed that Babangida Kachala, the second-in-command to bandit kingpin Kachala Shuaibu, was among those injured and later died.

Troops under Operation ACCORD III have continued patrols, ambushes, and raids in Kogi State to stop the movement of armed groups. Abdullahi noted that morale among soldiers remains high as they maintain pressure on criminals.

The Nigerian Army assured residents that it is determined to restore lasting peace. Citizens were urged to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations.

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