Security Forces Eliminate Notorious Bandit Kingpin Kabiru

On February 13, 2026, security agents, including the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Army, successfully neutralized notorious bandit kingpin Kachalla Kabiru during a coordinated operation in Kogi State. This operation followed a week of intense intelligence gathering and surveillance that confirmed Kabiru's location.

The mission involved precise airstrikes and a combined air-ground assault, resulting in the elimination of Kabiru and several of his top lieutenants. Kabiru had been identified by security agencies as a major bandit leader, establishing a strong foothold in Kogi State and coordinating kidnapping operations across multiple states, including Kwara, Benue, Enugu, Edo, Ekiti, and Ondo.

He had migrated to the northwest over a decade ago, building an extensive criminal network responsible for large-scale kidnappings and arms movements. The successful neutralization of Kabiru is considered a significant breakthrough in the fight against banditry and organized crime in the North Central zone of Nigeria.