Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade have recorded fresh operational gains against banditry in Kabba Bunu and Yagba West Local Government Areas of Kogi State, neutralising suspected bandits and arresting an alleged logistics supplier during coordinated security operations.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on January 3, 2026, by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi.
Ambush and firefight in Kabba Bunu
According to the statement, the operations followed credible intelligence indicating the movement of bandits from the Adankolo general area toward Agbadu Bunu in Kabba Bunu LGA.
Troops swiftly deployed and laid a deliberate ambush along a known crossing point. The bandits reportedly walked into the ambush and were engaged in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat.
During the encounter:
• Two bandits were neutralised
• One AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and 99 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were recovered
• Troops also seized one locally fabricated firearm and 11 cartridges
Bloodstains found during a follow-up sweep suggested additional casualties among the fleeing bandits.
Further engagement in Yagba West
In a related operation, troops received intelligence on bandit activity around Saminaka village in Yagba West LGA. Acting in collaboration with local vigilantes, soldiers conducted a fighting patrol into the village and nearby forested areas.
On arrival, the village was found deserted, prompting troops to advance deeper into surrounding routes leading toward the Saminaka–Sabo Rijiya road. Troops later made contact with an unconfirmed number of bandits, who withdrew after a brief exchange.
Subsequent exploitation of the area led to:
• The discovery of one neutralised bandit
• Recovery of one AK-47 rifle and 17 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
Arrest of alleged logistics supplier
During the same operation, troops arrested a suspected bandit logistics supplier, identified as Sunday Adedotun, from Odo Eri village in Yagba West LGA.
The suspect was apprehended on a farmland within Saminaka village. Although he claimed to be assisting farmers with transporting harvested produce, troops discovered items believed to be supplies meant for bandits, including:
• Cartons of energy drinks and soft drinks
• Bottled water
• Harvested farm produce
He is currently in military custody and undergoing further investigation.
Army assures sustained operations
The statement said the operations demonstrate the Army’s continued efforts to dismantle bandit networks and their supply chains in Kogi State.
Commending the troops, the Commander, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, praised their professionalism and timely response to intelligence.
He assured residents that the Brigade would maintain aggressive patrols, ambushes, and intelligence-led operations to deny criminal elements freedom of action and restore security across the affected areas.
Source: Africa Publicity
