Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have killed three bandits and arrested a suspected logistics supplier during fighting patrols and ambush operations in parts of Kabba Bunu and Yagba West Local Government Areas of Kogi State.
The operations were carried out on January 3, 2026, following credible intelligence on the movement of bandits from the Adankolo general area towards Agbadu Bunu in Kabba Bunu LGA.
According to a Sunday statement released by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, troops swiftly deployed and laid an ambush at an identified crossing point.
“The bandits subsequently ran into the troops’ ambush position and were engaged, forcing them to withdraw with indications of casualties as blood stains were observed during exploitation of the area.
“In the course of the encounter, troops neutralised two bandits and recovered one AK 47 rifle, one magazine, ninety-nine rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one locally fabricated gun and eleven cartridges,” the statement read.
In a related development, Abdullahi said further intelligence revealed movement of bandits around Saminaka village in Yagba West LGA.
Troops, in conjunction with local vigilantes, conducted a fighting patrol to the village and adjoining forested areas.
“On arrival, the village was observed to have been deserted, prompting troops to dismount and exploit the surrounding forest and routes leading towards the Saminaka Sabo Rijiya road.
“Troops made contact with an unconfirmed number of bandits and engaged them, leading to their withdrawal through the forest.
“During subsequent exploitation, troops traced the withdrawal route and discovered one neutralised bandit, one AK 47 rifle and seventeen rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.”
The statement added that during the same operation, “troops also 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 to assist farmers in transporting produce after harvest.
Items discovered at the settlement included cartons of energy and soft drinks, bottled water and harvested farm produce.
He is currently in custody and undergoing investigation.
The statement said the series of operations underscored the sustained pressure being mounted by troops against criminal elements in the area and their support networks.
Commending the troops, the Commander, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Kasim Sidi, praised their professionalism, courage and timely response to credible intelligence.
He assured the public that troops would continue to sustain aggressive patrols, ambushes and intelligence-driven operations to deny criminal elements freedom of action within the area.
