At least three suspected bandits were killed, and a suspected logistics supplier was arrested on Saturday in parts of Kabba Bunu and Yagba West Local Government Areas of Kogi State.

The suspects were neutralised and the supplier apprehended by troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army during patrols and ambush operations. The operations, carried out on January 3, 2026, followed credible intelligence on the movement of bandits from the Adankolo area towards Agbadu Bunu in Kabba Bunu LGA.

According to a statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, troops quickly deployed to the area and set up an ambush at a known crossing point.

“The bandits ran into the troops’ ambush position and were engaged, forcing them to withdraw with indications of casualties, as blood stains were observed during area exploitation. In the encounter, troops neutralised two bandits and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, ninety-nine rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one locally fabricated gun, and eleven cartridges,” the statement said.

In a related operation, Abdullahi said intelligence indicated bandit movements around Saminaka village in Yagba West LGA. Troops, alongside local vigilantes, conducted a fighting patrol in the village and adjoining forested areas.

“Upon arrival, the village was deserted, prompting troops to explore the surrounding forest and routes toward the Saminaka–Sabo Rijiya Road. Troops engaged an unconfirmed number of bandits, forcing them to retreat into the forest. During subsequent exploitation, troops traced the withdrawal route and discovered one neutralised bandit, one AK-47 rifle, and seventeen rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition,” the statement added.

During the same operation, troops also arrested a suspected bandit logistics supplier, identified as Sunday Adedotun from Odo Eri village in Yagba West LGA. He was apprehended on farmland in Saminaka village and reportedly claimed to help farmers transport produce after harvest. Items recovered at the settlement included cartons of energy and soft drinks, bottled water, and harvested farm produce. He is currently in custody and under investigation.

The statement noted that these operations reflect the sustained pressure being applied by the military against criminal elements and their support networks in the area.

The incident comes less than a month after four suspected bandits were killed during a gun battle following an attack on the Ayetoro Kiri community in Kabba/Bunu LGA in December. During that attack, about 13 residents were reportedly abducted.