Army Kills Bandits, Arrests Logistics Supplier in Kogi Security Operations

Army Kills Bandits, Arrests Logistics Supplier in Kogi Security Operations

Troops of the Nigerian Army under 12 Brigade, Lokoja, have recorded significant operational successes against bandits in Kogi State following coordinated fighting patrols and ambush operations in Kabba Bunu and Yagba West Local Government Areas.

The operations, carried out on January 3, 2026, were intelligence-driven, according to a statement by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army.

Acting on credible intelligence indicating the movement of bandits from the Adankolo axis towards Agbadu Bunu in Kabba Bunu LGA, troops swiftly deployed and laid a deliberate ambush at a known crossing point. The bandits ran into the ambush and were engaged by troops, forcing them to withdraw with indications of casualties, as bloodstains were observed during area exploitation.

During the encounter, troops neutralised two bandits and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, 99 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one locally fabricated gun, and 11 cartridges.

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In a related operation, intelligence reports revealed bandit movement around Saminaka village in Yagba West LGA. Troops, working alongside local vigilantes, conducted a fighting patrol to the village and adjoining forested areas. On arrival, the village was found deserted, prompting troops to dismount and thoroughly exploit surrounding forests and routes leading towards the Saminaka–Sabo Rijiya road.

Troops made contact with an unconfirmed number of bandits and engaged them, leading to their withdrawal through the forest. Subsequent exploitation led to the discovery of one neutralised bandit, one AK-47 rifle, and 17 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition along the withdrawal route.

During the same operation, troops arrested a suspected bandit logistics supplier, identified as Sunday A, from Odo Eri village in Yagba West LGA. The suspect was apprehended on farmland within Saminaka village and claimed he assisted farmers in transporting produce after harvest. Items found at the settlement included cartons of energy drinks, soft drinks, bottled water, and harvested farm produce. The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing investigation.

Commending the troops, the Commander of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, praised their professionalism, courage and swift response to actionable intelligence, noting that the operations demonstrate a high level of commitment to duty.

He assured residents that the Nigerian Army would continue to sustain aggressive patrols, ambushes, and intelligence-led operations to deny criminal elements freedom of action across Kogi State.

Army Kills Bandits, Arrests Logistics Supplier in Kogi Security Operations