Lokoja: Troops Foil Bandits’ Movement, Arrest Logistics Supplier in Kogi
By Enemona Samuel Endurance | The Bureau News
Nigeria News Today: Troops of the Nigerian Army under 12 Brigade, Lokoja, have recorded another operational success after foiling the movement of bandits and arresting a suspected logistics supplier during coordinated patrols and ambush operations in parts of Kogi State.
The operations were carried out on Saturday, January 3, 2026, across Kabba-Bunu and Yagba West Local Government Areas of the state.
In a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the troops acted on credible intelligence indicating the movement of bandits from the Adankolo area towards Agbadu Bunu in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area.
According to the statement, troops were swiftly deployed and laid an ambush at an identified bandit crossing point.
“The bandits subsequently ran into the troops’ ambush and were decisively engaged,” the statement said.
During the encounter, two bandits were neutralised, while one AK-47 rifle was recovered by the troops.
In a related development, further intelligence revealed the movement of bandits around Saminaka village in Yagba West Local Government Area.
The statement disclosed that troops, working in collaboration with local vigilante groups, conducted patrols to the village and surrounding forested areas.
Upon arrival, the village was observed to have been deserted, prompting the troops to dismount and comb adjoining forests and routes leading towards the Saminaka–Sabo Rijiya road.
During the operation, troops encountered suspected bandits and engaged them.
Also arrested during the patrol was a suspected bandit logistics supplier identified as Sunday Adedotun, an indigene of Odo Eri village in Yagba West Local Government Area.
The suspect was apprehended on a farmland within Saminaka village, where he claimed he was assisting farmers to transport farm produce.
Items recovered from the suspect included cartons of energy drinks and soft drinks, bottled water, and harvested farm produce, all suspected to be supplies meant for criminal elements.
The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further investigation.
Reacting to the development, the Commander of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, commended the troops for their professionalism, courage and swift response to credible intelligence.
He noted that the operation reflects the high level of commitment and discipline among the personnel.
The Brigade Commander further assured members of the public that troops will continue to sustain aggressive patrols, ambushes and intelligence-driven operations to deny criminal elements freedom of action across Kogi State.
