TROOPA NEUTRALISE NOTORIOUS BANDIT COMMANDER IN KOGI AS STATE TIGHTENS SECURITY
…ARMS, SUPPLIES SEIZE..
On September 11th, Nigerians received cheering news from Kogi State as a coordinated military operation led to the neutralisation of wanted notorious bandit leader, Babangida Kachala. The operation was carried out by troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade under Operation Accord III, in collaboration with the Other Hybrid Forces (OHF).
This success was achieved after security operatives, acting on credible intelligence, launched a well-planned ambush on the movement of the bandit group within Ofere Forest and the Ayetoro Gbede axis of Ijumu Local Government Area. In a separate ambush, troops also intercepted one of the gang’s couriers, seizing arms, ammunition, and critical supplies meant for the criminals. According to security sources, Babangida Kachala was the second-in-command to Kachala Shuaibu, the leader of a violent criminal network terrorising the Masalaci Boka and Ofere Forest corridors of the state.
This breakthrough is a proof to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration’s firm collaboration with security agencies to rid Kogi State of banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality. The development is part of ongoing efforts to sustain peace and consolidate on the solid foundation of his predecessor’s administration under the All Progressives Congress .
Before 2016, Kogi State faced some of its darkest moments in terms of security. Armed robbery, violent extremism, and even the infiltration of Boko Haram fighters turned parts of the state into dangerous zones. The rocky and hilly terrain of the state, especially around forested areas, initially attracted criminal groups who thought it could serve as a safe haven. However, through the determined will of the Yahaya Bello administration, backed by superior firepower from security agencies and the support of the local population, these elements were constantly flushed out as they gathered.
Adding to Kogi’s unique security challenge is its strategic location in the heart of Nigeria. The state is bordered by ten other states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), making it the only state with such an extensive spread of boundaries. This central positioning turns Kogi into the natural gateway between the North and South of the country, with thousands of travellers, traders, and goods moving through its roads daily. While this status boosts its economic relevance, it also creates multiple entry points for criminal elements who attempt to exploit the borders and busy transit routes. Policing such a vast network comes at enormous financial and logistical cost to government, requiring continuous investment in manpower, technology, and intelligence gathering as the current administration is doing.
Building on this legacy, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has elevated the fight against insecurity by introducing more robust security infrastructure within his first year in office. Among his interventions are the construction of a brand-new Rapid Response Squad (RRS) operational base in Lokoja, the establishment of a military Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Omala Local Government Area, and the recruitment and training of local vigilantes and hunters for intelligence gathering. These efforts, complemented by the provision of patrol vehicles, motorcycles, and other logistics, have significantly boosted the morale and capacity of security agencies in the state.
Today, the agrarian and pastoral lands of Omala, once plagued by deadly farmer-herder clashes, are enjoying peace, thanks to the sustained presence of military patrols under the FOB initiative. Across the state, highways have become safer with visible security presence, drastically reducing incidences of armed robbery and kidnapping. Where kidnappings do occur, the swift rescue of victims and neutralisation of criminals has become the new standard.
The success recorded so far would not have been possible without the dedication, patriotism, and sacrifices of the security personnel who put their lives on the line daily. Under Governor Ododo, the synergy among the various security agencies has become stronger, resulting in well-coordinated and highly effective operations. Their commitment to safeguarding lives and property deserves unreserved commendation and appreciation.
That said, security remains a shared responsibility. Communities also have a duty to play their part in complementing government efforts. The peaceful protest recently staged by residents of Egbe, with placards reading “Stop renting your houses to kidnappers’ informants,” highlights the dangers of community complicity in crime. Security operatives are not omnipresent; they rely heavily on intelligence from the public. Identifying strange faces, exposing informants, and resisting every form of collaboration with criminals will go a long way in sustaining peace across the state.
Indeed, security is everybody’s business.
With an administration that has demonstrated profound commitment to protecting lives and livelihoods, and with security operatives who stay awake so that the people can sleep peacefully, every citizen must rise to the task of playing their part. It is only through collective vigilance and cooperation that Kogi State will remain a hostile ground for criminals and a safe haven for law-abiding citizens.
ONOGWU Muhammed, Esq.
14th September, 2025