Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have killed three suspected bandits and arrested an alleged logistics supplier during coordinated fighting patrols and ambush operations in parts of Kabba Bunu and Yagba West Local Government Areas of Kogi State.
The operations were conducted on January 3, 2026, following credible intelligence on the movement of bandits from the Adankolo general area toward Agbadu Bunu in Kabba Bunu LGA.
In a statement on Sunday, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, said troops were swiftly deployed and laid an ambush at a strategic crossing point.
According to him, the bandits ran into the ambush and were engaged by the troops, forcing them to retreat with signs of casualties, as bloodstains were observed during a follow-up sweep of the area.
“During the encounter, troops neutralised two bandits and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, 99 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one locally fabricated gun and 11 cartridges,” the statement said.
Abdullahi added that further intelligence later revealed the movement of bandits around Saminaka village in Yagba West LGA. Troops, working alongside local vigilantes, carried out a fighting patrol to the village and nearby forested areas.
He explained that upon arrival, the village was found deserted, prompting troops to dismount and comb the surrounding forests and routes leading toward the Saminaka–Sabo Rijiya road.
“Troops made contact with an unconfirmed number of bandits and engaged them, leading to their withdrawal into the forest,” he said.
During subsequent exploitation of the area, the troops reportedly discovered one neutralised bandit, one AK-47 rifle and 17 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The statement further disclosed that during the same operation, troops arrested 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 reportedly claimed he assists farmers with transporting produce after harvest. Items found at the settlement included cartons of energy drinks, soft drinks, bottled water and harvested farm produce.
He is currently in custody and undergoing investigation.
Abdullahi said the series of operations demonstrated the sustained pressure being mounted by troops against criminal elements and their support networks in the area.
Commending the troops, the Commander of 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Kasim Sidi, praised their professionalism, courage and swift response to actionable intelligence.
He assured residents that the army would continue aggressive patrols, ambushes and intelligence-driven operations to deny criminal elements freedom of action within the state.
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