Troops of the Nigerian Army under 12 Brigade, Lokoja, have neutralised two bandits and recovered an AK-47 rifle during coordinated patrols and ambush operations in Kabba Bunu and Yagba West local government areas of Kogi State.
The operations were carried out on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
In a statement, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, said the troops acted on credible intelligence regarding the movement of bandits from the Adankolo area towards Agbadu Bunu in Kabba Bunu LGA.
According to him, troops swiftly deployed and laid an ambush along an identified crossing point, where the bandits subsequently ran into the ambush and were engaged.
“In the course of the encounter, troops neutralised two bandits and recovered one AK-47 rifle,” Abdullahi said.
He added that further intelligence revealed another movement of bandits around Saminaka village in Yagba West LGA.
“Troops, in conjunction with local vigilantes, conducted patrols in the village and adjoining forested areas. On arrival, the village was found deserted, prompting troops to dismount and comb surrounding forests and routes leading towards the Saminaka–Sabo Rijiya road,” the statement said.
During the operation, the troops encountered and engaged suspected bandits in the area. They 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, where he claimed to be assisting farmers with the transportation of farm produce.
Items recovered from him included cartons of energy drinks and soft drinks, bottled water and harvested farm produce. He is currently in custody and undergoing investigation.
Commending the troops for their professionalism and timely response, the Commander of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, said their actions reflected a high level of commitment to duty.
He assured residents that troops would continue to sustain aggressive patrols, ambushes and intelligence-driven operations to deny criminal elements freedom of action within the area.
