Army: Bandits didn’t overrun troops in Kwara, we’ll eliminate all criminals

The Nigerian Army has debunked a report claiming that bandits overran troops and carted away arms and ammunition in the Obanla area of Kwara State.

The report published by an online platform on Sunday, October 5, 2025, alleged that bandits ambushed and overpowered troops, seizing six General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and 30,000 rounds of ammunition in Obanla.

Reacting via a statement issued on Sunday, the Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lt.-Col. Polycarp Okoye, described the report as false and misleading.

Okoye said the troops of 148 Battalion (Rear) conducting ongoing clearance operations across Kogi and Kwara States have continued to record significant operational successes.

Okoye stated that the troops, in a recent engagement, mounted a strong blocking position along the Kwara–Ekiti border axis, where they neutralised two armed bandits and recovered two new AK-47 rifles.

He said: “At no time were Army positions overrun, nor was any cache of weapons or ammunition lost to criminal elements, as mischievously reported by the online platform.

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“The publication is a fabrication designed to mislead the public and undermine the morale of gallant troops diligently working to restore peace and stability in the region.”

Okoye noted that the Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring that all forms of criminality are decisively dealt with across the country.

Okoye added: “Members of the public are therefore urged to disregard the false report and continue to support the military with timely and credible information that would aid ongoing operations.

“The Nigerian Army also reiterates its readiness to sustain the tempo of operations until all criminal networks in Kogi, Kwara, and adjoining states are dismantled.”

The Star