THREE MAJOR BANDIT CAMPS NEUTRALIZED IN KOGI STATE

Lokoja, Kogi State – February 16, 2026

A joint special operation involving personnel from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), troops of the 12 Brigade of the , the , the , the , the , as well as local vigilantes and hunters, has successfully neutralized three major bandit camps in .

A press statement issued by the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara Sunday (Rtd), disclosed that the camps, operated by notorious bandit leader Kachalla Babangida, were heavily bombarded with superior firepower during the coordinated operation.

According to the statement, the joint forces deployed both air and ground assets in a well-synchronized assault that resulted in the neutralization of scores of bandits. The operation featured precision air strikes followed by sustained ground engagements, effectively dismantling the criminal strongholds.

The statement further revealed that several kidnap victims held captive in the camps were successfully rescued during the operation. The camps were subsequently destroyed to prevent their reuse by criminal elements.
Commander Omodara noted that the rescued victims have been moved to medical facilities for immediate treatment. Upon stabilization, they will be transferred to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps before being reunited with their families.

He commended the gallantry, professionalism, and sacrifice of the officers and personnel involved in the operation, assuring them of the State Government’s unwavering support in the ongoing fight against banditry and terrorism.
The Security Adviser also urged residents of to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information, emphasizing that sustained public support remains critical to achieving lasting peace.

The State Government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that ongoing clearance operations deliver a decisive and final blow to criminal networks operating within the state.