Title: Joint Security Operation Eliminates Notorious Bandit Kingpin Kachalla Kabiru in Kogi Date Published: 17 February 2026 Description: Operatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS), have neutralised a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Kabiru, during a coordinated operation in Kogi State, security sources disclosed on Monday.The operation, which also involved precision airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force, was carried out on February 13, 2026, following weeks of intensive intelligence gathering and surveillance that confirmed Kabiru’s presence at a designated hideout.According to a source familiar with the mission, Kabiru and several of his top lieutenants were taken out in a carefully coordinated strike combining air and ground assets. The source said the action was triggered by credible intelligence pinpointing the bandit kingpin’s exact location.Security officials described Kabiru as a central figure in the recruitment, coordination and movement of bandits across multiple states in the North Central region and adjoining zones.The source revealed that Kabiru relocated from the North West to Kogi more than a decade ago, embedding himself in forest corridors and border communities. From these enclaves, he allegedly masterminded kidnapping and banditry operations spanning Kogi, Kwara, Benue, Enugu, Edo, Ekiti and Ondo states.Kabiru was also said to have played a critical role in logistics and manpower mobilisation for criminal networks, facilitating the movement of fighters, weapons and abducted victims across forest routes linking the North West, North Central and South West regions.Security sources said the successful neutralisation of Kabiru represents a major setback for organised banditry in the North Central zone and is expected to significantly disrupt coordination among armed criminal groups operating across state lines. Attached Images: 63791d86d67e8333a6189fad0f1352248ade02293e522b2943b9052e0066d4ea.jpg Attached Video: None