From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have killed three bandits and arrested a suspected logistics supplier during fighting patrols and ambush operations in parts of Kabba Bunu and Yagba West Local Government Areas of Kogi State.
The operations were carried out on January 3, 2026, following credible intelligence on the movement of bandits from the Adankolo general area towards Agbadu Bunu in Kabba /Bunu LGA.
According to a statement released by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, troops swiftly deployed and laid an ambush at an identified crossing point.
“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.
“In the course of the encounter, troops neutralised 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,” the statement read.
In a related development, Abdullahi said further intelligence revealed movement of bandits around Saminaka village in Yagba West LGA.
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.
“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 neutralised bandit, one AK 47 rifle and seventeen rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.”
The statement added that during the same operation, “troops also arrested a suspected bandit logistics supplier identified as Sunday Adedotun, from Odo Eri village in Yagba West LGA.”
He was apprehended on a farmland within Saminaka village.
The suspect reportedly 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.
He is currently in custody and undergoing investigation.
The statement said the series of operations underscored the sustained pressure being mounted by troops against criminal elements in the area and their support networks.
Commending the troops, the Commander, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Kasim Sidi, praised their professionalism, courage and timely response to credible intelligence.
He assured the public that troops would continue to sustain aggressive patrols, ambushes and intelligence-driven operations to deny criminal elements freedom of action within the area
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to a sustained crackdown on criminal elements across the state, assuring residents that decisive efforts are ongoing to restore peace and rescue abducted victims.
The assurance was given by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, who disclosed that security agencies are actively tracking the whereabouts of criminals, with major operations already underway to free victims from captivity.
According to him, the government fully understands the trauma faced by families of kidnapped persons and remains deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of all victims.
“We understand the trauma faced by families of kidnapped victims. We are also very concerned about their well-being. The Governor has invested heavily in ensuring the state possesses the capacity to crush criminal elements,” Fanwo said.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support, as well as the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the Inspector General of Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for their relentless backing in the fight against crime in Kogi State.
Fanwo noted that the governor is currently investing more in preventive security measures, stressing that the government remains determined to ensure the rescue of every Kogite in the hands of criminals.
“We will make sure every Kogite in their hands is rescued. We also sympathise with families that have lost loved ones. We are making progress and the security situation has improved significantly,” he stated.
While acknowledging that peaceful protest against insecurity is lawful, the Commissioner cautioned that such actions must be devoid of political colouration.
“We can’t afford to be divided as a people at this moment. We must come together to continue to win this war,” he added.
The state government also commended individuals and stakeholders who are cooperating with security agencies and supporting government efforts to combat violent crime.
Fanwo specifically praised the Member representing Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Leke Abejide, for providing logistics to support security operations in his constituency.
“He has put his money where his mouth is by matching words with actions. The Kogi State Government appreciates his great show of support and calls on others to defend the people instead of playing politics with security,” he said.
He warned that individuals who disturb public peace under the guise of protest, as well as their sponsors, would be made to face the full weight of the law.
