Troops Kill Notorious Bandit Leader Kachalla Bala, Five Others in Kogi

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade, Lokoja, have recorded a major breakthrough against criminal gangs, eliminating a feared bandit commander, Kachalla Bala, along with five of his men during a series of operations across Kogi State.

Brigade spokesman, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, confirmed the development in a statement on Monday, noting that the success was part of Operation Egwua A Tite II, which ran from September 1 to 5, 2025. He said the mission delivered “several successes,” including the rescue of kidnapped victims and the recovery of arms.

Among the recovered items were five Dane guns, a motorcycle, two mobile phones, and an AK-47 magazine loaded with 20 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. These, according to Abdullahi, were seized during operations in Lokoja, Kabba-Bunu, and Yagba West LGAs.

Troops of 126 Battalion, supported by Other Hybrid Forces and led by their Commanding Officer, engaged bandits in Tunga, neutralising two during a gunfight. On September 2, air combat missions struck bandit hideouts in Ankomi, killing several fighters attempting to flee.

The following day, clearance operations in Aleke, Ungwan Soni, and Ungwan Nyaba led to the rescue of a kidnapped man, Pabo Suleiman, and his two children.

The decisive blow came on September 5, when troops stormed a hideout near Tunga. In the fierce exchange of fire, Bala and five of his associates were gunned down. “Troops neutralised Bala and five associates during a fierce gun battle at a hideout ahead of Tunga,” Abdullahi stated.

The Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Kasim Sidi, who also doubles as Force Commander, Operation Accord III, personally joined the missions, leading from the front to boost troop morale. His involvement saw the destruction of bandit enclaves, consistent patrols, and ambush operations to maintain dominance in affected areas.

Abdullahi assured that the army remains resolute: “The Operation continues to record positive results,” he said, stressing the commitment of troops to eliminate banditry and restore lasting peace and security in Kogi and its environs.