The Nigerian Army has refuted an online report that claimed bandits overpowered its troops and stole arms and ammunition in Kwara State, describing the story as false and misleading. The report, published on Sunday, alleged that bandits ambushed soldiers in the Obanla area, seizing six General Purpose Machine Guns and 30,000 rounds of ammunition.
Lt.-Col. Polycarp Okoye, Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 2 Division, issued a statement on Sunday dismissing the report as a fabrication intended to undermine troop morale and mislead the public. He clarified that troops from the 148 Battalion, who are conducting clearance operations in Kogi and Kwara states, have continued to achieve successes against criminal elements. In a recent encounter, soldiers established a blocking position along the Kwara‑Ekiti border, neutralized two armed bandits and recovered two brand‑new AK‑47 rifles.
Okoye emphasized that at no point were Army positions overrun, nor was any cache of weapons or ammunition lost, contrary to the claims made in the report. He urged the public to disregard the false story and instead provide security forces with credible information to aid their ongoing operations.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling all criminal networks in Kogi, Kwara and surrounding states. Its clearance operations are part of a broader effort to address the security challenges posed by bandits and other criminal elements in the region. By providing accurate and timely information, the public can play a crucial role in supporting the army’s efforts to maintain peace and stability. The denial underscores the importance of verifying information through official channels to avoid spreading misinformation.
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