Troops of 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Lokoja, has recorded significant operational successes following coordinated fighting patrols and ambush operations across parts of Kabba Bunu and Yagba West Local Government Areas of Kogi State.
Acting on credible intelligence about the movement of bandits from the Adankolo general area towards Agbadu Bunu in Kabba Bunu LGA, troops swiftly deployed and laid a deliberate ambush at an identified crossing point.
The bandits ran into the ambush and were engaged, forcing them to withdraw with indications of casualties, as bloodstains were observed during exploitation of the area.
During the encounter, troops neutralised two bandits and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, 99 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one locally fabricated gun and 11 cartridges.
In a related development, further intelligence revealed bandit movement around Saminaka village in Yagba West LGA.
Troops, in collaboration with local vigilantes, conducted a fighting patrol to the village and adjoining forested areas. On arrival, the village was found deserted, prompting troops to dismount and exploit the surrounding forest and routes leading towards the Saminaka–Sabo Rijiya road.
Troops later made contact with an unconfirmed number of bandits and engaged them, leading to their withdrawal through the forest. During subsequent exploitation, troops traced the withdrawal route and discovered one neutralised bandit, one AK-47 rifle and 17 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
During the same operation, troops arrested a suspected bandit logistics supplier identified as Sunday Adedotun from Odo Eri village in Yagba West LGA.
The suspect was apprehended on a farmland within Saminaka village, where he claimed to assist farmers in transporting produce after harvest. Items discovered at the settlement included cartons of energy and soft drinks, bottled water and harvested farm produce.
The suspect is currently in custody undergoing investigation.
The operations underscore the sustained pressure being mounted by troops against criminal elements and their support networks in the area.
The Commander, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, commended the troops for their professionalism, courage and timely response to credible intelligence, noting that their actions reflect a high level of commitment to duty.
He assured the public that troops will continue to sustain aggressive patrols, ambushes and intelligence-driven operations to deny criminal elements freedom of action within the area.
