Troops neutralise bandits in Kabba Bunu and Yagba West LGAs of Kogi state

By Johnson Arua

Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Lokoja, have recorded notable operational successes following coordinated fighting patrols and ambush operations in parts of Kabba Bunu and Yagba West Local Government Areas of Kogi State.

The operations were carried out based on credible intelligence indicating the movement of bandits from the Adankolo general area toward Agbadu Bunu in Kabba Bunu LGA.

Acting swiftly, the troops deployed and laid a strategic ambush at an identified crossing point.

The bandits later ran into the ambush and were engaged, forcing them to retreat with indications of casualties, as bloodstains were observed during the exploitation of the area.

During the encounter, two bandits were neutralised. Items recovered included one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, 99 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one locally fabricated firearm and 11 cartridges.

In a related development, intelligence reports also revealed the presence of bandits around Saminaka village in Yagba West LGA.

Troops, in collaboration with local vigilante groups, carried out a fighting patrol to the village and its surrounding forested areas. On arrival, the village was found deserted, prompting the troops to dismount and conduct a comprehensive search of nearby forests and routes leading toward the Saminaka–Sabo Rijiya road.

During the operation, troops made contact with an unconfirmed number of bandits and engaged them, forcing the criminals to withdraw through the forest.

Further exploitation of the withdrawal route led to the discovery of one neutralised bandit, one AK-47 rifle and 17 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

The troops also arrested a suspected bandits’ logistics supplier, identified as Sunday Adedotun, from Odo Eri village in Yagba West LGA.

The suspect was apprehended on farmland within Saminaka village, where he reportedly claimed to assist farmers with the transportation of farm produce after harvest.

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.

Commending the troops, the Commander of 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, praised their professionalism, courage and swift response to credible intelligence.

He noted that the successful operations demonstrate the troops’ strong commitment to duty and assured the public that aggressive patrols, ambushes and intelligence-driven operations would be sustained to deny criminal elements freedom of action across the area.