Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade have killed three suspected bandits and arrested an alleged logistics supplier during coordinated security operations in parts of Kabba Bunu and Yagba West Local Government Areas of Kogi State.
The operations were conducted on January 3, 2026, following intelligence reports on the movement of armed bandits from the Adankolo axis towards Agbadu Bunu in Kabba Bunu LGA.
Confirming the development in a statement on Sunday, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, said troops swiftly mobilised and laid an ambush at a strategic crossing point along the suspected route.
According to him, the bandits ran into the ambush and were engaged by troops, forcing them to retreat.
“The criminals ran into our ambush position and were engaged, leading to their withdrawal. During exploitation of the area, blood stains were observed, indicating casualties,” Abdullahi stated.
He disclosed that two bandits were neutralised during the encounter, while troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, 99 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one locally fabricated firearm and 11 cartridges.
In a related operation, Abdullahi said intelligence also revealed suspicious movements around Saminaka village in Yagba West LGA, prompting troops, in collaboration with local vigilantes, to conduct a fighting patrol in the area and adjoining forests.
“On arrival, the village was found deserted, which led troops to dismount and thoroughly search the surrounding forest and access routes towards the Saminaka–Sabo Rijiya road,” he said.
The Army spokesperson added that troops made contact with an unconfirmed number of bandits during the patrol, forcing them to flee through the forest.
“While exploiting the withdrawal route, troops discovered one neutralised bandit, an AK-47 rifle and 17 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition,” he added.
Abdullahi further revealed that during the same operation, a suspected bandit logistics supplier, identified as Sunday Adedotun from Odo Eri village in Yagba West LGA, was arrested on a farmland within Saminaka village.
“The suspect claimed he assists farmers in transporting their produce after harvest.
However, items recovered from the location included cartons of energy drinks, soft drinks, bottled water and harvested farm produce,” he said.
He noted that the suspect is currently in military custody and undergoing investigation.
Commending the troops, the Commander of 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kasim Sidi, praised their professionalism and swift response to actionable intelligence.
He assured residents that the Army would continue to sustain aggressive patrols, ambushes and intelligence-driven operations to dismantle criminal networks and deny criminals freedom of action in the state.
