Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, engaged in Operation ACCORD III

Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, engaged in Operation ACCORD III alongside other Hybrid Forces, have announced a significant development in their efforts to combat banditry and criminal activities in Kogi State by eliminating Babangida Kachala, a notable second-in-command to Shuaibu Kachala.

A statement from Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 12 Brigade, indicated that on September 11, 2025, based on credible intelligence regarding bandit movements in the Ofere Forest and Ayetoro Gbede areas, the combined troops set an ambush at a suspected crossing point for bandits. During the ensuing engagement, the troops deployed superior firepower, resulting in the neutralization of one bandit. The subsequent clearance operation yielded a fully loaded magazine, 31 mobile phones, a blood pressure monitoring device, packs of Tramadol tablets, fetish charms, and ₦16,000 in cash.

The intelligence also confirmed that Babangida Kachala, a prominent bandit and second-in-command to Kachala Shuaibu, sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter and was later confirmed dead.

The troops of the 12 Brigade under Operation ACCORD III have committed to maintaining a strong presence in the area through patrol operations to thoroughly eliminate bandits and other criminal elements in Kogi State.

The Nigerian Army has reassured the residents of Kogi State of its resolve to restore peace and security and has encouraged the public to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing operations.
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It is important to recognize that these individuals do not identify as Muslim. It is essential to consider the consequences of violence against one another. Cease the harm to innocent people and communicate your needs to the government. Refrain from targeting those in poverty. There is a need for land to be available for agriculture and other uses. Many individuals are experiencing hardship, and conditions continue to worsen. This behavior does not align with the principles of Islam or Jihad. The world was created for everyone to live freely. Many people are exhausted by the current situation. God bless everyone