Nigerian Army Conducts Successful Operations Against Bandits in Kogi State
Troops from the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have carried out a series of successful operations against bandits in Kogi State, resulting in the killing of three criminals and the arrest of a suspected logistics supplier. These operations took place in the Kabba Bunu and Yagba West Local Government Areas (LGAs), specifically targeting areas where bandit activity has been reported.
The operations were conducted on January 3, 2026, following credible intelligence about the movement of bandits from the Adankolo general area towards Agbadu Bunu in Kabba Bunu LGA. The Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 12 Brigade, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, confirmed that troops swiftly deployed and set up an ambush at an identified crossing point.
“The bandits subsequently ran into the troops’ ambush position and were engaged, forcing them to withdraw with indications of casualties as blood stains were observed during exploitation of the area,” the statement said. “In the course of the encounter, troops neutralised two bandits and recovered one AK 47 rifle, one magazine, ninety-nine rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one locally fabricated gun and eleven cartridges.”
Further Intelligence Leads to Additional Operations
In a related development, further intelligence revealed the movement of bandits around Saminaka village in Yagba West LGA. In response, troops, in conjunction with local vigilantes, conducted a fighting patrol to the village and adjoining forested areas. Upon arrival, the village was found to be deserted, prompting troops to dismount and explore the surrounding forest 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,” the statement noted. “During subsequent exploitation, troops traced the withdrawal route and discovered one neutralised bandit, one AK 47 rifle and seventeen rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.”
Arrest of Suspected Logistics Supplier
The statement also highlighted the arrest of a suspected bandit logistics supplier, identified as Sunday Adedotun, from Odo Eri village in Yagba West LGA. He was apprehended on a farmland within Saminaka village. According to reports, the suspect claimed to assist farmers in transporting produce after harvest.
Items discovered at the settlement included cartons of energy and soft drinks, bottled water, and harvested farm produce. The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing investigation.
Continued Efforts to Combat Criminal Elements
The statement emphasized that these operations demonstrated the sustained pressure being placed on criminal elements and their support networks in the area. The Commander of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Kasim Sidi, commended the troops for their professionalism, courage, and timely response to credible intelligence.
He assured the public that the Nigerian Army would continue to conduct aggressive patrols, ambushes, and intelligence-driven operations to deny criminal elements freedom of action within the area.
Key Outcomes of the Operations
- Killed: Three bandits
- Arrested: One suspected logistics supplier
- Weapons Recovered:
- One AK 47 rifle
- One locally fabricated gun
- One magazine
- Ninety-nine rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
- Seventeen rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
- Other Items Recovered:
- Cartons of energy and soft drinks
- Bottled water
- Harvested farm produce