By Joy Odor, Lokoja
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade under Operation ACCORD III have dealt a crushing blow to bandit networks in Kogi State, neutralizing a notorious second-in-command during a firefight in Ofere Forest, Yagba West Local Government Area.
According to Army Spokesperson for 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the operation was launched on September 11, 2025, after credible intelligence revealed the movement of armed bandits within the Ofere Forest–Ayetoro Gbede axis, a corridor notorious for criminal activities.
The troops, supported by Other Hybrid Forces (OHF), staged an ambush at a suspected crossing point. Although initial contact was not made, the soldiers encountered a surprise ambush by the bandits while returning to base.
What followed was a fierce exchange of gunfire. The soldiers, armed with superior firepower, overpowered the assailants — killing one on the spot and forcing others to flee with gunshot wounds.
Exploitation of the scene led to a breakthrough: intelligence later confirmed that one of those mortally wounded was Babangida Kachala, the feared second-in-command to Kachala Shuaibu, leader of a ruthless bandit gang terrorizing Masalaci Boka and Ofere Forest.
Recovered items at the site of the clash included:
A fully loaded rifle magazine
31 mobile phones believed to have been stolen from victims
Packs of Tramadol tablets
A blood pressure machine
Fetish charms
₦16,000 in cash
Blood trails at the ambush site indicated that several other bandits sustained serious injuries before escaping.
He said the successful ambush demonstrates the relentless resolve of the troops to wipe out criminal networks in Kogi State.
“The morale and fighting efficiency of our troops remain very high. We will continue to dominate our area of responsibility with patrols, ambushes, and clearance operations until these criminal elements are totally decimated,” he declared.
The Nigerian Army also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible intelligence to security forces, stressing that cooperation between communities and the military is vital to restoring lasting peace in the region.
With the death of Babangida Kachala, analysts believe the bandit group operating around Ofere Forest has suffered a major setback. But security forces insist there will be no let-up until the entire network is dismantled.
