Babangida Kachala, the second-in-command of Kachala Shuaibu, the leader of a gang that operated in Kogi State’s Masalaci Boka and Ofere Forest areas, was killed by troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade as part of Operation ACCORD III in coordination with Other Hybrid Forces.
Less than a week has passed since troops achieved a similar victory over banditry in the state by eliminating another commander, Kachalla Balla, and five of his gang members.
Remember how the Nigerian Army executed Kachalla Balla, a known bandit commander, and five of his men in Kogi State?
On September 5, Operation EGWUA A TITE II was carried out at a hideaway close to Tunga. Additionally, troops captured weapons and supplies after ambushing a bandit courier at Agbede–Adankoo Bridge.
During air-supported follow-up clearance operations, a number of abducted victims were saved. The Army celebrated the discovery as a significant step towards bringing peace back to Kogi.
The action was conducted by troops under action Accord III, according to a statement released on Saturday in Lokoja by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade.
On September 11, 2025, the combined troops ambushed a suspected bandit crossing point after receiving reliable information about bandit activity in the Ofere Forest and Ayetoro Gbede broad region, according to the statement. Despite the lack of initial interaction, the forces encountered an ambush set up by the criminals on their way back to base.
“The valiant soldiers used superior firepower to engage the bandits in the ensuing firefight, neutralising one of the criminals.”
He continued by saying that the forces then took advantage of the place and found 31 cell phones, a blood pressure monitor, packs of Tramadol tablets, fetish charms, one fully loaded magazine, and ₦16,000 in cash. Bloodstains found at the location showed that multiple bandits had been shot and fled.
Babangida Kachala, a notorious bandit and Kachala Shuaibu’s second-in-command, was among those who fled with gunshot wounds, according to subsequent intelligence. He was later confirmed dead. Abdullahi said, “The Nigerian Army remains determined to restore lasting peace and security in Kogi State and urged citizens to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing operations.
” Abdullahi said, “The troops of 12 Brigade under Operation ACCORD III continue to dominate the area of responsibility with patrols and ambushes aimed at completely deciming bandits and other criminal elements within Kogi State.”
