Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade have killed three suspected bandits and arrested an alleged logistics supplier during coordinated patrols and ambush operations in parts of Kogi State.
The operations were carried out on January 3, 2026, in Kabba Bunu and Yagba West Local Government Areas, following actionable intelligence that bandits were moving from the Adankolo axis toward Agbadu Bunu in Kabba Bunu LGA.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, troops were immediately deployed and positioned at a known crossing point, where they set up an ambush.
The bandits reportedly ran into the ambush and were engaged by the soldiers, forcing them to retreat. During a follow-up search of the area, troops observed bloodstains, suggesting casualties among the fleeing attackers.
In the encounter, two bandits were neutralised, while one AK-47 rifle, a magazine, 99 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a locally fabricated firearm, and 11 cartridges were recovered.
The statement further disclosed that additional intelligence pointed to the movement of bandits around Saminaka village in Yagba West LGA. Troops, working alongside local vigilante groups, launched a fighting patrol into the village and nearby forest areas.
On arrival, Saminaka village was found deserted, prompting the soldiers to search surrounding routes leading toward the Saminaka–Sabo Rijiya road. The troops later encountered an unspecified number of bandits in the forest and engaged them, forcing another withdrawal.
During subsequent exploitation of the withdrawal route, soldiers discovered the body of a third neutralised bandit, along with an AK-47 rifle and 17 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
In the course of the same operation, the troops arrested a suspected logistics supplier identified as Sunday Adedotun, a native of Odo Eri village in Yagba West LGA. He was apprehended on farmland within Saminaka village.
The suspect allegedly claimed he assisted farmers by transporting agricultural produce after harvest. However, items recovered from the area included cartons of energy drinks, soft drinks, bottled water, and harvested farm produce, raising suspicions about his activities.
The army said the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further investigation.
The statement noted that the operations reflect sustained efforts by troops to degrade criminal networks and dismantle their support systems in the area.
Commending the soldiers, the Commander of 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Sidi, praised their professionalism, courage, and swift response to credible intelligence. He assured residents that the army would continue aggressive patrols, ambushes, and intelligence-led operations to deny criminal elements freedom of movement across the state.
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