Army Intercept Bandits, Eliminate 3, Arrest Logistics Supplier in Kogi Operations
Troops of the Nigerian Army under 12 Brigade, Lokoja, have recorded major operational successes in Kogi State, neutralising three bandits, foiling their movement and arresting a suspected logistics supplier during coordinated security operations across Kabba Bunu and Yagba West Local Government Areas.
The operations, which took place on January 3, 2026, followed actionable intelligence on the movement of bandits from the Adankolo general area towards Agbadu Bunu in Kabba Bunu LGA. Acting swiftly, troops deployed and laid a deliberate ambush at an identified crossing point.
The bandits reportedly ran into the ambush and were engaged by troops, forcing them to flee with indications of casualties, as blood stains were observed during the exploitation of the area. In the encounter, two bandits were neutralised while troops 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 in Yagba West LGA, intelligence revealed the movement of bandits around Saminaka village. Troops, working alongside local vigilantes, conducted a fighting patrol into the village and surrounding forested areas. On arrival, the village was found deserted, prompting troops to dismount and comb adjoining forests and routes leading towards the Saminaka–Sabo Rijiya road.
During the patrol, troops made contact with an unconfirmed number of bandits and engaged them, leading to their withdrawal into the forest. Further exploitation of the area led to the discovery of one neutralised bandit, one AK-47 rifle and 17 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The operation also resulted in 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. The suspect claimed he assisted farmers in transporting farm produce after harvest. Items recovered from the settlement included cartons of energy and soft drinks, bottled water and harvested farm produce. He is currently in custody undergoing investigation.
Commenting on the operations, the Commander of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, commended the troops for their professionalism, courage and timely response to credible intelligence. He said their actions reflected a high level of commitment to duty and reassured residents that the Army would continue to sustain aggressive patrols, ambushes and intelligence-driven operations to deny criminal elements freedom of action in the area.
The latest successes underscore the sustained pressure being mounted by the Nigerian Army against banditry and its support networks in Kogi State.
By PRNigeria
