The Nigerian Army has killed three suspected bandits and taken into custody an alleged logistics supplier during coordinated ambush and patrol missions in Kabba Bunu and Yagba West LGAs of Kogi State.
The operations were carried out on January 3 after actionable intelligence revealed the movement of armed criminals from the Adankolo axis towards Agbadu Bunu in Kabba Bunu LGA.
In a statement, Hassan Abdullahi, acting assistant director, army public relations, 12 Brigade, stated that soldiers immediately mobilised and positioned themselves strategically along the identified route.
He disclosed that “the bandits subsequently ran into the troops’ ambush position and were engaged, forcing them to withdraw with indications of casualties as blood stains were observed during exploitation of the area.”
According to him, troops eliminated two of the suspects during the confrontation and recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine, ninety-nine rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a locally made firearm, and eleven cartridges.
He added that fresh intelligence later pointed to the presence of more armed criminals around Saminaka village in Yagba West LGA.
Troops, working alongside local vigilantes, also launched a fighting patrol into the settlement and surrounding forests.
“On arrival, the village was observed to have been deserted, prompting troops to dismount and exploit the surrounding forest and routes leading towards the Saminaka Sabo Rijiya road,” he said.
Abdullahi explained that contact was made with the criminals, who engaged the soldiers before retreating into the forest.
He further revealed that “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.”
Abdullahi also confirmed that during the same mission, “troops also arrested a suspected bandit logistics supplier identified as Sunday Adedotun, from Odo Eri village in Yagba West LGA.”
The suspect was caught on farmland within Saminaka village and allegedly claimed that he only assists farmers in conveying produce after harvest.
“Items recovered at the hideout included cartons of energy drinks, soft drinks, bottled water and farm produce. He is presently in custody and undergoing interrogation,” the army added.