By Nkechi Eze
Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army under Operation ACCORD III, working in conjunction with Other Hybrid Forces (OHF), have recorded a major success in their sustained efforts to rid Kogi State of banditry and other criminal activities.
In an official statement, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, disclosed that the breakthrough was achieved on 11 September 2025 after troops acted on credible intelligence regarding the movement of bandits within Ofere Forest and Ayetoro Gbede general area.
According to Abdullahi, the combined troops laid an ambush at a suspected bandit crossing point, but initial contact was not made. However, while withdrawing to base, they ran into an ambush staged by the criminals along their route. “In the ensuing firefight, the gallant troops engaged the bandits with superior firepower, neutralizing one of the criminals,” he stated.
After overrunning the ambush, the troops exploited the area, recovering one fully loaded magazine, 31 mobile phones, a blood pressure machine, packs of Tramadol tablets, fetish charms, and the sum of ₦16,000 cash. Abdullahi added that bloodstains observed at the scene indicated that several other bandits escaped with gunshot wounds.
Subsequent intelligence confirmed that among those who fled with gunshot wounds was Babangida Kachala, a notorious bandit and second-in-command to Kachala Shuaibu, leader of a criminal group operating within Masalaci Boka and Ofere Forest areas of Kogi State. He was later confirmed dead.
Lieutenant Abdullahi further noted that troops of 12 Brigade under Operation ACCORD III continue to dominate their area of responsibility with aggressive patrols and ambushes aimed at decimating bandits and other criminal elements across Kogi State. He assured that the morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remain high as they sustain unrelenting pressure on criminals.
The Nigerian Army, while commending the cooperation of residents, reassured the people of Kogi State of its determination to restore lasting peace and security, urging citizens to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing operations.
