By Joy Odor, Lokoja
Nigerian Army troops have scored a decisive victory against banditry in Kogi State, killing Babangida Kachala, the feared second-in-command to notorious warlord Kachala Shuaibu, during a bloody shootout in Ofere Forest.
The encounter occurred on September 11, 2025, when soldiers of 12 Brigade under Operation ACCORD III, working with Other Hybrid Forces (OHF), laid an ambush on a known bandit route between Ofere Forest and Ayetoro Gbede.
Although the initial contact failed, the troops were ambushed on their return journey triggering a fierce gun battle.
Outgunned and overpowered, the criminals fled under heavy fire. One was gunned down instantly, while intelligence later confirmed that Babangida Kachala, who escaped with bullet wounds, died shortly afterwards.
His death marks a major blow to Shuaibu’s gang, long blamed for raids, kidnappings, and bloody attacks across the region.
A mop-up of the battleground yielded shocking discoveries: a fully loaded rifle magazine, 31 stolen mobile phones, packs of Tramadol, a blood pressure machine, fetish charms, and ₦16,000 cash.
Blood trails at the scene showed that several other bandits escaped with serious injuries.
Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, praised the troops’ gallantry, stressing that operations would intensify until all criminal strongholds are crushed.
“Our troops remain resolute and their morale is high. We will sustain patrols, ambushes, and clearance missions to rid Kogi State of bandits and restore peace,” he said.
The Army urged residents to provide timely intelligence to aid ongoing operations, assuring citizens of its determination to bring lasting security to Kogi and surrounding states.
With Kachala’s death, security experts say the Shuaibu network has been dealt a major setback, but warn that the battle is far from over.
