Kogi Operation: Soldiers Neutralise Infamous Bandit Commander Babangida Kachala

The Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade, working with other hybrid forces, has killed Babangida Kachala, a notorious bandit commander who was the second-in-command to Kachala Shuaibu, the leader of a gang that operated in Kogi State’s Masalaci Boka and Ofere Forest areas.

In an attempt to reduce banditry in the state, the forces had accomplished a similar achievement just a week prior when they killed another commander, Kachalla Balla, along with five members of his gang.

The military also ambushed a bandit courier at Agbede–Adankoo Bridge on September 5 as part of Operation EGWUA A TITE II at a hideaway near Tunga, capturing supplies and weapons meant to help the criminals in their operations.

The action was confirmed by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, in Lokoja, who stated that soldiers from action ACCORD III were responsible for it.

Several abducted victims were rescued during air-supported follow-up clearance missions after the operation. The discovery was praised as an important step in bringing peace back to Kogi State.

The statement claims that combined soldiers ambushed a suspected bandit crossing point on September 11, 2025, in response to reliable information regarding bandit activity in the Ofere Forest and the Ayetoro Gbede general area. Although initial contact was not made, the troops, while withdrawing to base, ran into an ambush staged by the criminals along their route.

In the ensuing firefight, Abdullahi explained, the gallant troops engaged the bandits with superior firepower, neutralising one of the criminals.

Additionally, Abdullahi stated, “the troops later exploited the area and recovered 31 cell phones, a blood pressure machine, packs of Tramadol tablets, fetish charms, one fully loaded magazine, and N16,000 cash.” The presence of bloodstains at the location suggested that multiple bandits had been shot and fled.

Babangida Kachala, a known bandit and Kachala Shuaibu’s second-in-command, was among those who fled with gunshot wounds, according to later information, he noted. Kachala Shuaibu was eventually verified deceased.

According to Abdullahi, troops of 12 Brigade under Operation ACCORD III continue to dominate their area of responsibility with patrols and ambushes aimed at totally decimating bandits and other criminal elements within Kogi State. He explained that the morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remain high as they sustain unrelenting pressure on the criminals.

He added that the Nigerian Army is committed to bringing Kogi State’s long-term peace and security back, and he asked the public to help ongoing operations by providing timely and reliable information that will stop criminal activity.