Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded another major breakthrough in the fight against banditry, neutralizing a notorious gang leader, Babangida Kachala, in Kogi State.
The operation, conducted under Operation EGWUA A TITE II, took place on September 5 at a bandit hideout near Tunga.
In a separate ambush at the Agbede–Adankoo Bridge, troops also intercepted a courier working for the gang, seizing weapons and critical supplies.
According to a statement released on Saturday by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, spokesman for the 12 Brigade, Kachala was the second-in-command to Kachala Shuaibu, leader of a violent gang operating within the Masalaci Boka and Ofere Forest areas of Kogi State.
The decisive encounter came on September 11, 2025, when combined forces of Operation ACCORD III and Hybrid Forces launched an ambush based on credible intelligence of bandit movement in Ofere Forest and the Ayetoro Gbede axis. Although the initial attempt to intercept the criminals was unsuccessful, the troops, while returning to base, were met with an ambush.
“In the fierce exchange of fire, the gallant soldiers outgunned the criminals, neutralizing one on the spot,” Lt. Abdullahi stated.
A search of the area yielded significant recoveries, including a fully loaded magazine, 31 mobile phones, a blood pressure machine, packs of Tramadol, fetish charms, and ₦16,000 in cash. Blood trails at the scene confirmed that several bandits fled with gunshot wounds.
“Subsequent intelligence later revealed that among those who escaped wounded was Babangida Kachala, the feared second-in-command to Kachala Shuaibu. He was later confirmed dead,” Abdullahi disclosed.
He added that the 12 Brigade, under Operation ACCORD III, continues to sustain aggressive patrols and ambushes across Kogi State, with the aim of completely dismantling criminal networks.
“The morale of our troops remains high as we maintain relentless pressure on the bandits. The Nigerian Army is fully committed to restoring lasting peace and security across Kogi State,” he affirmed, while calling on residents to provide timely and credible intelligence to support ongoing operations.
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