Babangida Kachala killed as Nigerian Army troops under Operation ACCORD III crush bandits in Kogi State, restoring hope for lasting peace

Kachala, a notorious bandit commander and second-in-command to the feared warlord Kachala Shuaibu, died after sustaining gunshot wounds during a firefight in Ofere Forest. His death was later confirmed through intelligence sources, the Army said.

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The operation, conducted in collaboration with Other Hybrid Forces, followed credible intelligence on the movement of bandits in Ayetoro Gbede and Ofere Forest.

Troops initially laid an ambush at a suspected crossing point but later ran into an ambush by the criminals. The soldiers repelled the attack with what was described as “superior firepower,” neutralising one bandit on the spot.

Among items recovered at the scene were a fully loaded magazine, 31 mobile phones, a blood pressure machine, packs of Tramadol, fetish charms, and ₦16,000 in cash. Bloodstains suggested that several other bandits fled with serious injuries.

Barely a week earlier, the Army had killed another commander, Kachalla Balla, and five of his men during an operation at Tunga under Operation EGWUA A TITE II, in what was seen as a major success against organised crime in the state.

Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, confirmed the fresh breakthrough in Lokoja on Saturday, stressing that troops remain relentless in their pursuit of criminal elements.

“Troops of 12 Brigade under Operation ACCORD III continue to dominate the area of responsibility with patrols and ambushes aimed at totally decimating bandits and other criminal elements within Kogi State,” he said, adding that morale among soldiers remains high.

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The Nigerian Army urged residents to continue providing credible information to aid operations, assuring the public of its determination to restore lasting peace and security across the state.