Troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under Operation ACCORD III alongside Other Hybrid Forces (OHF), have killed Babangida Kachalla, a notorious bandit kingpin in Kogi State.
In a statement on Saturday, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, spokesman for 12 Brigade, said:
“On 11 September 2025, based on credible intelligence regarding bandit movements within Ofere Forest and the Ayetoro Gbede area, our troops laid an ambush at a suspected crossing point.
Although initial contact was not made, our forces encountered an ambush by the criminals while withdrawing to base.
“In the ensuing firefight, our troops engaged the bandits with superior firepower, neutralizing one criminal.
“During area exploitation, they recovered 1 fully loaded magazine, 31 mobile phones, a blood pressure machine, packs of Tramadol tablets, fetish charms, and ₦16,000 in cash. Bloodstains indicated that several bandits escaped with gunshot wounds.
“Subsequent intelligence confirmed that among the wounded fugitives was Babangida Kachalla, second-in-command to Kachalla Shuaibu, the leader of a bandit group operating in Masalaci Boka and Ofere Forest. He was later confirmed dead.
“Troops under Operation ACCORD III continue to patrol and launch ambushes to eliminate bandits and criminal elements in Kogi State.
“The morale and fighting efficiency of our troops remain high as they maintain relentless pressure on criminals.
“The Nigerian Army reassures the people of Kogi State of its commitment to restoring lasting peace and security and urges citizens to provide timely and credible intelligence to support ongoing operations.”