Troops of the Nigerian Army have eliminated a notorious bandit commander, Babangida Kachala, during an operation in Kogi State.
The raid, conducted on September 5 near Tunga under Operation EGWUA A TITE II, targeted a major hideout. In a related operation, troops also ambushed a bandit courier at the Agbede–Adankoo Bridge, seizing weapons and essential supplies.
Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, spokesman of the 12 Brigade, confirmed the development in a statement on Saturday. He explained that Kachala was the second-in-command to Kachala Shuaibu, leader of a gang notorious for violent activities within Masalaci Boka and Ofere Forest.
According to Abdullahi, the decisive action was carried out by troops of the 12 Brigade under Operation ACCORD III, working in close collaboration with Other Hybrid Forces.
“On 11 September 2025, following credible intelligence on the movement of bandits within Ofere Forest and Ayetoro Gbede general area, the combined troops laid an ambush at a suspected crossing point. Although initial contact was not made, the troops, while withdrawing to base, ran into an ambush staged by the criminals,” Abdullahi stated.
He added that the soldiers responded with superior firepower, neutralising one of the bandits. A subsequent sweep of the area led to the recovery of one loaded magazine, 31 mobile phones, a blood pressure machine, packs of Tramadol tablets, fetish charms, and ₦16,000 in cash. Evidence from bloodstains suggested that several others escaped with gunshot wounds.
“Subsequent intelligence confirmed that among those who fled with gunshot wounds was Babangida Kachala, a notorious bandit and second-in-command to Kachala Shuaibu. He was later confirmed dead,” Abdullahi revealed.
He noted that troops of the 12 Brigade remain active across Kogi State, maintaining constant patrols and ambushes to dismantle bandit networks.
“The morale and fighting efficiency of our troops remain high as we sustain unrelenting pressure on criminal elements,” Abdullahi assured, while calling on residents to provide timely and credible intelligence to support ongoing operations.
What You Should Know
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of Babangida Kachala, a notorious bandit commander in Kogi State. He was the deputy to Kachala Shuaibu, one of the region’s most feared criminals.
Troops under Operation ACCORD III remain on high alert, intensifying efforts to restore peace and security across Kogi.
