Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed a notorious bandit commander, Babangida Kachala, during a clearance operation in Kogi State.
The operation, conducted on September 5 under Operation EGWUA A TITE II, targeted a criminal hideout near Tunga. The army also ambushed a bandit courier at Agbede–Adankoo Bridge, seizing weapons, drugs, and supplies meant for criminal networks.
In a statement on Saturday, spokesman of the 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, confirmed that Kachala was the second-in-command to Kachala Shuaibu, leader of a gang operating within Masalaci Boka and Ofere Forest.
Ambush and Firefight
According to Abdullahi, on September 11, troops of the 12 Brigade, operating under Operation ACCORD III and supported by Hybrid Forces, laid an ambush following credible intelligence on bandit movement in Ofere Forest and the Ayetoro Gbede axis.
Although initial contact was not made, the troops encountered an ambush staged by the criminals while returning to base.
“In the ensuing firefight, the gallant troops engaged the bandits with superior firepower, neutralising one of the criminals,” Abdullahi said.
Recovered items included a loaded magazine, 31 mobile phones, a blood pressure machine, packs of Tramadol, fetish charms, and ₦16,000 in cash. Blood trails confirmed that several bandits escaped with gunshot wounds.
Intelligence later revealed that Babangida Kachala was among those wounded and subsequently died.
Abdullahi stressed that the Nigerian Army remains committed to dismantling criminal networks in Kogi.
“Troops of 12 Brigade under Operation ACCORD III continue to dominate the area with patrols and ambushes aimed at totally decimating bandits. The morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remain high,” he added.
He urged residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information to restore lasting peace in the state.
