Troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army Lokoja have recorded significant operational successes following coordinated fighting patrols and ambush operations conducted across parts of the Kabba Bunu and Yagba West Local Government Areas of Kogi State.
A statement signed by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant HASSAN ABDULLAHI, says on 3rd January 2026, acting on credible intelligence on the movement of bandits from the Adankolo general area towards Agbadu Bunu in Kabba Bunu LGA, troops swiftly deployed and laid a deliberate ambush at a bandit-identified crossing point.
According to the statement, the bandits subsequently ran into the troops’ ambush position and were engaged, forcing them to withdraw with indications of casualties, as blood stains were observed during exploitation of the area.
It also said that in the course of the encounter, troops neutralized two bandits and recovered one AK -47 rifle, one magazine, ninety-nine rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one locally fabricated gun and eleven cartridges.
Lieutenant HASSAN ABDULLAHI further explained that in a related development, further intelligence revealed movement of bandits around Saminaka village in Yagba West LGA.
He noted that troops, in conjunction with local vigilantes, conducted a fighting patrol to the village and adjoining forested areas. On arrival, the village was observed to have been deserted, prompting troops to dismount and exploit the surrounding forest and routes leading towards the Saminaka Sabo Rijiya road.
The statement added that troops made contact with an unconfirmed number of bandits and engaged them, leading to their withdrawal through the forest during subsequent exploitation, troops traced the withdrawal route and discovered one neutralized bandit, one AK 47 rifle and seventeen rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
During the same operation, troops also arrested a suspected bandit logistics supplier identified as Sunday Adedotun, from Odo Eri village in Yagba West LGA.
The suspect was apprehended on a farmland within Saminaka village and claimed to assist farmers in transporting produce after harvest. Items discovered at the settlement included cartons of energy and soft drinks, bottled water and harvested farm produce.
The suspect is currently in custody undergoing investigation.The statement noted that the series of operations underscores the sustained pressure being mounted by troops against criminal elements within the area and their support networks.
The Commander 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, commended the troops for their professionalism, courage and timely response to credible intelligence, noting that their actions reflect the high level of commitment to duty.
He further assured the public that troops will continue to sustain aggressive patrols, ambushes and intelligence-driven operations to deny criminal elements freedom of action within the area.
(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)
