Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have killed three suspected bandits and arrested an alleged logistics supplier during fighting patrols and ambush operations in parts of Kabba Bunu and Yagba West Local Government Areas of Kogi State.

The operations, conducted on January 3, 2026, followed credible intelligence on the movement of bandits from the Adankolo general area towards Agbadu Bunu in Kabba Bunu LGA.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, the troops were said to have swiftly deployed and laid an ambush at an identified crossing point.

“The bandits ran into the troops’ ambush position and were engaged, forcing them to withdraw with indications of casualties, as bloodstains were observed during exploitation of the area,” the statement said.

It added that two bandits were neutralised during the encounter, while one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, 99 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one locally fabricated gun and 11 cartridges were recovered. In a related operation, further intelligence revealed the movement of bandits around Saminaka village in Yagba West LGA.

Troops, in collaboration with local vigilantes, carried out a fighting patrol to the village and surrounding forested areas. On arrival, the village was found deserted, prompting the troops to dismount and comb the adjoining forest and routes leading towards the Saminaka–Sabo Rijiya road.

“Troops later made contact with an unconfirmed number of bandits and engaged them, leading to their withdrawal into the forest,” Abdullahi said.
He disclosed that during subsequent exploitation, troops traced the bandits’ withdrawal route and discovered one neutralised bandit, one AK-47 rifle and 17 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

The statement further revealed that a suspected bandit logistics supplier, identified as Sunday Adedotun from Odo Eri village in Yagba West LGA, was arrested during the operation.

The suspect was apprehended on a farmland within Saminaka village. He reportedly claimed to assist farmers with the transportation of produce after harvest.

Items recovered at the location included cartons of energy drinks and soft drinks, bottled water and harvested farm produce. The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further investigation.

According to the statement, the operations underscored the sustained pressure being mounted by troops against criminal elements and their support networks in the area.

Commending the troops, the Commander, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Kasim Sidi, praised their professionalism, courage and prompt response to credible intelligence.

He assured residents that the brigade would continue to sustain aggressive patrols, ambushes and intelligence-driven operations to deny criminal elements freedom of action within its area of responsibility.