Troops Neutralize Notorious Bandit Commander Kachalla Bala, Rescue Kidnapped Family in Kogi State
In a major breakthrough against banditry in Nigeria’s North-Central region, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade have eliminated a dreaded bandit leader, Kachalla Bala, and five of his associates during intensified clearance operations in Kogi State. The operations also resulted in the rescue of a kidnapped father and his two children, marking a significant win in the fight against insecurity. As communities in Kogi breathe a sigh of relief, this development underscores the military’s ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks exploiting the state’s challenging terrain. With recovered weapons and destroyed hideouts, the incident highlights both progress and the persistent threat of banditry in the area.
Trending: Military Gains Against Bandits Spark Hope in Kogi Communities
The neutralization of Kachalla Bala has generated widespread discussion on social media platforms like X, where hashtags such as #KachallaBala and #KogiSecurity are trending. Posts from users in Kogi and surrounding states express relief and praise for the troops, with comments like “Finally, some good news from Kogi—bandits on the run!” reflecting renewed optimism. The story has also drawn attention to broader security challenges in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, as residents share experiences of kidnappings and raids, calling for sustained military action.
Key Details of the Operations
The successes were part of Operation EGWUA A TITE II, launched on September 1, 2025, by the 12 Brigade in Lokoja to combat banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities across Kogi State. According to a statement from Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the brigade, troops from the 126 Battalion, supported by Other Hybrid Forces (OHF), initiated contact with bandits in the Tunga general area, neutralizing two in an initial firefight.
Further exploitation of the area, led by Brigade Commander and Force Commander of Operation Accord III, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, resulted in the destruction of several bandit settlements and enhanced dominance through patrols and ambushes. On September 2, an airstrike backed by the 405 Helicopter Combat Training Group targeted fleeing bandits in Ankomi, neutralizing scores more.
The pivotal moment came on September 5, when intelligence-led operations at a bandits’ hideout ahead of Tunga led to a fierce gun battle, confirming the neutralization of Kachalla Bala and five of his fighters. On the same day, troops ambushed a suspected bandits’ supply route at the Agbede–Adankoo Bridge (also known as Mosalanci Boka), eliminating a logistics courier and recovering one motorcycle, two mobile phones, and one AK-47 magazine loaded with 20 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Additionally, five locally made Dane guns were recovered during operations spanning Lokoja, Kabba-Bunu, and Yagba West Local Government Areas. These actions not only disrupted bandit logistics but also restored relative peace to affected communities.
Insights from Officials and Experts
Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi emphasized the operation’s impact in his statement: “The ongoing Operation EGWUA A TITE II continues to yield positive results, and troops will remain resolute in restoring peace and security in the region.” He highlighted the brigade’s commitment to eradicating banditry in Kogi and adjoining states, noting that the neutralization of Kachalla Bala represents a “major breakthrough” in countering threats from notorious figures.
Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, who personally led some missions, reaffirmed the military’s resolve: “Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army have reiterated its commitment to rid Kogi State and adjoining areas of banditry, criminality, and other security threats.” Security analysts, such as those cited in local reports, have described Bala as one of the most dreaded bandit leaders in Kogi, whose elimination could weaken local criminal networks operating in forested and riverine areas.
Background Context: Banditry’s Grip on Kogi and the Military Response
Kogi State, strategically located and bordering nine states plus the Federal Capital Territory, has emerged as a hotspot for banditry and kidnapping in recent years due to its expansive forests and riverine terrain, which provide ideal hideouts for criminal gangs. These groups often launch attacks on communities, travelers, and security personnel, holding victims for ransom and exacerbating insecurity in the North-Central region. Before Operation EGWUA A TITE II, areas like Tunga, Agbede, and Adankoo reported surges in kidnappings and armed robberies, with bandits using remote camps to evade capture.
The operation builds on broader military initiatives like Operation Accord III, which coordinates joint actions against armed groups. It integrates ground troops, hybrid forces, and air support to improve response times and ensure comprehensive coverage. Similar efforts have been ongoing across Nigeria’s northwest and central belts, where banditry has displaced thousands and razed villages, as noted in reports on the national bandit conflict. Kachalla Bala, though not as widely documented as some national figures like Bello Turji Kachalla, was locally notorious for his role in these activities, making his neutralization a targeted victory.
The rescue of Pabo Suleiman and his two children on September 3 in Aleke, Ungwan Soni, and Ungwan Nyaba communities—where the family was freed and reunited—exemplifies the human impact of these operations, preventing further harm to civilians caught in the crossfire.
Possible Impact and Next Steps
The elimination of Kachalla Bala and his gang could significantly disrupt bandit operations in Kogi, potentially reducing kidnappings and raids in the short term and boosting community confidence. Recovered weapons and destroyed hideouts limit the criminals’ capacity to regroup, while the rescues highlight the operation’s focus on protecting civilians. However, experts warn that banditry’s root causes—such as porous borders, arms proliferation, and socioeconomic factors—require sustained efforts beyond military action, including community engagement and economic development.
Next steps include continued patrols, ambushes, and intelligence gathering under Operation EGWUA A TITE II to prevent retaliation or shifts by remaining gangs to neighboring states. The Nigerian Army has pledged to maintain the tempo, with Brigadier General Sidi assuring full backing from higher command. Local authorities may enhance collaboration with communities for early warnings, and monitoring bodies could track reductions in incidents. If successful, this could serve as a model for similar operations in other troubled regions.
Conclusion: A Step Forward in Nigeria’s Security Battle
The Nigerian Army’s neutralization of bandit commander Kachalla Bala and the rescue of a kidnapped family in Kogi State represent a vital advancement in combating insecurity, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated military operations like EGWUA A TITE II. While challenges persist in Kogi’s vulnerable landscapes, these gains offer hope for safer communities. For residents and security watchers, the key takeaway is the importance of vigilance and sustained action—reminding us that progress against banditry demands both military resolve and collective societal effort to build lasting peace.