TROOPS FOIL BANDITS’ MOVEMENT, ARREST LOGISTICS SUPPLIER IN KOGI

LOKOJA — January 3, 2026

Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Lokoja, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, recorded another operational success following coordinated patrols and ambush operations conducted in Kabba Bunu and Yagba West Local Government Areas of Kogi State.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the troops acted on credible intelligence indicating the movement of bandits from the Adankolo area towards Agbadu Bunu in Kabba Bunu Local Government Area.
He said the troops were swiftly deployed and laid an ambush at an identified crossing point used by the bandits. The criminals subsequently ran into the ambush and were engaged by the troops. During the encounter, two bandits were neutralized, while one AK-47 rifle was recovered.

The statement further disclosed that additional intelligence revealed another movement of bandits around Saminaka village in Yagba West Local Government Area. Acting on this information, troops, in collaboration with local vigilantes, conducted a patrol of the village and surrounding forested areas.
On arrival, Saminaka village was found deserted, prompting the troops to dismount and comb the adjoining forests and routes leading towards the Saminaka–Sabo Rijiya road. During the operation, the troops encountered bandits and engaged them.

In the course of the operation, the troops arrested a suspected bandit logistics supplier identified as Sunday Adedotun, from Odo Eri village in Yagba West Local Government Area. The suspect was apprehended on a farmland within Saminaka village, where he claimed he was assisting farmers to transport produce from their farms.
Items recovered from the suspect included cartons of energy drinks, soft drinks, bottled water, and harvested farm produce, suspected to be supplies meant for bandits operating in the area. The suspect is currently in military custody and undergoing investigation.

Commending the troops for their professionalism, courage, and prompt response to credible intelligence, the Commander, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, described their actions as a reflection of a high level of commitment to duty.
He reassured members of the public that the brigade would continue to sustain aggressive patrols, ambushes, and intelligence-driven operations to deny criminal elements freedom of action across Kogi State.