Troops Neutralize Notorious Bandit Leader’s Deputy in Kogi State

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade, operating under Operation Accord III, have delivered a major blow to banditry in Kogi State, neutralizing Babangida Kachala, a notorious second-in-command to bandit leader Kachala Shuaibu.

The operation took place on Thursday, September 11, 2025, after troops, in collaboration with Other Hybrid Forces (OHF), acted on credible intelligence of bandit movements around Ofere Forest and Ayetoro Gbede.

According to military sources, while initial contact was not made at the suspected crossing point, the troops later ran into an ambush staged by the criminals on their return route. In the ensuing firefight, the soldiers overpowered the bandits, killing one on the spot and forcing others to flee with gunshot wounds.

A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of a loaded magazine, 31 mobile phones, a blood pressure machine, several packs of Tramadol, fetish charms, and ₦16,000 cash. Intelligence later confirmed that Babangida Kachala, who sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter, died while attempting to escape.

The Nigerian Army described the development as a significant success in the fight against criminal elements within Masalaci Boka and Ofere Forest areas of Kogi State. Troops have since intensified patrols and ambush operations to sustain pressure on the bandits.

Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, assured residents that the Army remains committed to restoring peace and security across the state, while urging citizens to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing operations.