Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, operating under Operation Accord III, in collaboration with Other Hybrid Forces (OHF), have achieved a major breakthrough in their efforts to rid Kogi State of banditry and criminal activities.

In a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, the operation was launched on September 11, 2025, following credible intelligence on the movement of bandits within the Ofere Forest and Ayetoro Gbede general area.

The combined troops laid an ambush at a suspected crossing point, but initial contact with the bandits was not made. However, while withdrawing to base, the troops ran into an ambush staged by the criminals.

“In the ensuing firefight, the gallant troops engaged the bandits with superior firepower, neutralising one of them,” Lt. Abdullahi stated.

The troops subsequently exploited the area and recovered one fully loaded magazine, 31 mobile phones, a blood pressure machine, several packs of Tramadol tablets, fetish charms, and ₦16,000 cash. Bloodstains at the scene indicated that several bandits escaped with gunshot wounds.

Further intelligence later confirmed that among those who fled with injuries was Babangida Kachala, a notorious bandit and second-in-command to Kachala Shuaibu, leader of a bandit group operating in the Masalaci Boka and Ofere Forest areas. He was later confirmed dead.

Lt. Abdullahi noted that troops of Operation Accord III continue to dominate the area with aggressive patrols and ambushes aimed at completely dismantling bandit networks in Kogi State.

“The morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remain high as they sustain unrelenting pressure on the criminals,” he said, reassuring residents of the army’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and security.

The Nigerian Army also urged the public to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing operations.T