According to report, the bandit leader was the second-in-command to Kachala Shuaibu, leader of a gang operating within Masalaci Boka and Ofere Forest areas of Kogi State.

The development comes barely a week after troops recorded a similar feat, neutralising another commander, Kachalla Balla, alongside five of his gang members in a breakthrough against banditry in the state.

A statement issued in Lokoja by Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, confirmed that the operation was carried out by troops under Operation Accord III.

The statement reads, “On 11 September 2025, following credible intelligence on the movement of bandits within Ofere Forest and Ayetoro Gbede general area, the combined troops laid an ambush at a suspected bandit crossing point. Although initial contact was not made, the troops, while withdrawing to base, ran into an ambush staged by the criminals along their route.

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

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According to Abdullahi, “Troops of 12 Brigade under Operation ACCORD III continue to dominate the area of responsibility with patrols and ambushes aimed at totally decimating bandits and other criminal elements within Kogi State. The morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remain high as they sustain unrelenting pressure on the criminals.”

He assured that the Nigerian Army remains determined to restore lasting peace and security in Kogi State and urged citizens to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing operations.

Source: Punch