Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Lokoja, have recorded major operational successes against bandits following coordinated patrols and ambush operations in Kabba Bunu and Yagba West Local Government Areas of Kogi State.
The Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, stating that the operations were carried out based on credible intelligence.
According to the statement, troops acted on intelligence reports indicating the movement of bandits from the Adankolo general area towards Agbadu Bunu in Kabba Bunu LGA.
Soldiers swiftly deployed and laid an ambush at a known crossing point used by the criminals.
The bandits reportedly ran into the ambush and were engaged by the troops, forcing them to retreat with suspected casualties, as blood stains were observed during the exploitation of the area.
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 gun and 11 cartridges.
In a related operation, further intelligence revealed bandit activity around Saminaka village in Yagba West LGA. Troops, working alongside local vigilantes, conducted a fighting patrol into the village and surrounding forest areas.
On arrival, the village was found deserted, prompting troops to comb nearby forests and routes leading towards the Saminaka–Sabo Rijiya road. The troops later made contact with an unspecified number of bandits, leading to another exchange of fire that forced the criminals to flee through the forest.
During follow-up operations, troops discovered the body of one neutralised bandit, along with one AK-47 rifle and 17 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The army also arrested a suspected bandits’ logistics supplier, identified as Sunday Adedotun, from Odo Eri village in Yagba West LGA. He was apprehended on farmland within Saminaka village. Items recovered from the location included cartons of energy drinks and soft drinks, bottled water and harvested farm produce.
The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing investigation.
Lt. Abdullahi said the series of operations highlights the sustained pressure being applied by troops on criminal elements and their support networks in the area.
Commending the troops, the Commander of 12 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Kasim Umar Sidi, praised their professionalism, courage and timely response to intelligence, assuring residents that the army would continue aggressive patrols and intelligence-driven operations to deny criminals freedom of action in Kogi State.