Troops of the Nigerian Army under the 12 Brigade have killed three suspected bandits and arrested an alleged logistics supplier during coordinated security operations in parts of Kogi State, a central Nigerian state located in the North Central geopolitical zone of the country.
The military operation took place on Sunday, January 4, 2026, following intelligence reports indicating the movement of armed bandits from the Adankolo general area towards Agbadu Bunu in Kabba Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State. The area has experienced repeated security threats linked to armed criminal activities in recent months.
Okay News reports that the troops carried out fighting patrols and ambush operations across Kabba Bunu and Yagba West Local Government Areas as part of sustained efforts by the Nigerian Army to disrupt bandit networks and prevent attacks on rural communities.
In a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the troops swiftly mobilized after receiving the intelligence and positioned themselves at a strategic crossing point identified as a likely route for the bandits.
“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,” Abdullahi said.
He added that during the engagement, two bandits were neutralized, while troops recovered one AK forty seven rifle, one magazine, ninety nine rounds of seven point six two millimeter special ammunition, one locally fabricated firearm, and eleven cartridges.
The military spokesperson disclosed that additional intelligence later revealed the movement of armed elements around Saminaka village in Yagba West Local Government Area. Acting on this information, troops, working alongside local vigilante groups, carried out a fighting patrol into the village and surrounding forest 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,” the statement said.
According to the army, the troops encountered an unconfirmed number of bandits during the patrol, leading to another exchange of gunfire that forced the suspects to retreat deeper into the forest.
“During subsequent exploitation, troops traced the withdrawal route and discovered one neutralized bandit, one AK forty seven rifle and seventeen rounds of seven point six two millimeter special ammunition,” Abdullahi stated.
The operation also led to the arrest of a suspected logistics supplier identified as Sunday Adedotun, a resident of Odo Eri village in Yagba West Local Government Area. He was apprehended on farmland within Saminaka village.
The suspect reportedly claimed he assisted farmers in transporting produce after harvest. However, items recovered from his settlement included cartons of energy drinks, soft drinks, bottled water, and harvested farm produce, which the army said raised suspicions about his role in supporting bandit activities.
The suspect is currently in military custody and undergoing further investigation.
The Nigerian Army noted that the series of operations demonstrated the sustained pressure being applied against criminal elements and their support networks within the region.
Commending the troops, the Commander of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kasim Sidi, praised their professionalism, courage, and timely response to credible intelligence. He assured residents that the army would continue aggressive patrols and intelligence driven operations to deny criminal groups freedom of movement across Kogi State.
