In a significant advancement against banditry, the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade in Lokoja, operating under Operation Accord III and in collaboration with Other Hybrid Forces (OHF), has neutralized a high-profile bandit commander in Kogi State.According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Brigade’s spokesperson, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Babangida Kachala, a notorious deputy bandit commander, was eliminated on September 11, 2025.The operation was launched based on credible intelligence regarding bandit movements within the Ofere Forest and the general vicinity of Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area. In response, combined troops established an ambush at a suspected crossing point used by the criminals.Although initial contact was not made during the ambush, the troops were themselves ambushed by the bandits while withdrawing. A firefight ensued, during which the troops applied superior firepower, resulting in the neutralization of one bandit.Items recovered from the scene included one fully loaded magazine, 31 mobile phones, a blood pressure machine, packs of Tramadol tablets, fetish charms, and ₦16,000 in cash. Bloodstains observed at the location indicated that additional bandits had escaped with gunshot wounds.Subsequent intelligence corroborated that Babangida Kachala, second-in-command to bandit leader Kachala Bala Shuaibu, was among those wounded in the exchange and was later confirmed dead.The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring lasting peace and security in Kogi State and urged citizens to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing operations. Troop morale and combat readiness remain high as operations continue unabated against criminal elements in the region