Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade, operating under Operation ACCORD III, have dealt a significant blow to banditry in Kogi State with the neutralization of Babangida Kachala, a notorious second-in-command to bandit leader Kachala Shuaibu.
By Chimezie Godfrey
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade, operating under Operation ACCORD III, have dealt a significant blow to banditry in Kogi State with the neutralization of Babangida Kachala, a notorious second-in-command to bandit leader Kachala Shuaibu.
According to military sources, the operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of bandits within Ofere Forest and Ayetoro Gbede axis. On 11 September 2025, troops in conjunction with Other Hybrid Forces (OHF) laid an ambush at a suspected crossing point. Although initial contact was not made, the soldiers encountered an ambush staged by the criminals while withdrawing.
In the ensuing gun duel, troops overpowered the bandits with superior firepower, killing one and forcing others to flee with injuries. Items recovered from the scene included a fully loaded magazine, 31 mobile phones, a blood pressure machine, packs of Tramadol tablets, fetish charms, and ₦16,000 cash.
Subsequent intelligence confirmed that Babangida Kachala, who sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter, was among those who fled. He was later confirmed dead. The development is regarded as a major setback for bandits terrorizing Masalaci Boka and Ofere Forest areas of Kogi State.
The Nigerian Army noted that troops of 12 Brigade have intensified patrols and ambushes across their area of responsibility to maintain unrelenting pressure on criminal groups.
The Army also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations aimed at restoring peace and security in the state.