Troops of the Nigerian Army under the 12 Brigade, Lokoja, have disrupted the movement of bandits in parts of Kogi State, killing three suspected criminals, recovering AK-47 rifles and arresting an alleged logistics supplier during coordinated operations in Kabba/Bunu and Yagba West Local Government Areas.
The successful operation was carried out on January 3, 2026, following actionable intelligence on the movement of armed bandits across communities in the two councils.
Confirming the development, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, said the troops executed fighting patrols and ambushes aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of movement in the area.
According to him, intelligence revealed that bandits were moving from the Adankolo axis towards Agbadu Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, prompting troops to lay an ambush at a known crossing point.
“The bandits ran into the troops’ ambush position and were engaged. They withdrew in disarray with clear indications of casualties, as blood stains were observed during exploitation of the area,” Abdullahi said.
He added that two bandits were neutralised during the encounter, while troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, 99 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a locally fabricated gun and 11 cartridges.
In a related operation in Yagba West Local Government Area, Abdullahi disclosed that troops, working alongside local vigilantes, responded to intelligence about bandits’ movement around Saminaka village.
“On arrival, the village was found deserted. Troops dismounted and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding forest and routes leading to the Saminaka–Sabo Rijiya road,” he explained.
During the operation, troops engaged the bandits, forcing them to flee through the forest. One bandit was later found neutralised along the withdrawal route, with an AK-47 rifle and 17 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition recovered.
The army spokesperson also revealed that a suspected logistics supplier to the bandits, identified as Sunday Adedotun from Odo-Eri village in Yagba West, was arrested during the operation.
“The suspect was apprehended on a farmland within Saminaka village. He claimed to assist farmers with transportation of produce after harvest,” Abdullahi stated.
Items recovered at the location included cartons of energy drinks, soft drinks, bottled water and harvested farm produce. He said the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing investigation.
Reacting to the development, the Commander of 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, commended the troops for their professionalism and swift response to intelligence.
He assured residents of Kogi State that the Nigerian Army would sustain aggressive patrols, ambushes and intelligence-driven operations to dismantle criminal networks and restore lasting peace in the area.
General Sidi added that the military remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to work with local communities to flush out criminal elements and their collaborators.
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