The Nigerian Army has refuted an online report claiming that bandits overpowered its troops and stole arms and ammunition in Kwara State, describing the story as false and misleading. According to the report, which was published on Sunday, bandits ambushed and seized six General Purpose Machine Guns and 30,000 rounds of ammunition from soldiers in the Obanla area.
However, 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 aimed at undermining troop morale and misleading the public. Okoye stated 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, troops set up a blocking position along the Kwara-Ekiti border, where they 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 report and instead provide security forces with credible information to aid their ongoing operations.
The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling all criminal networks in Kogi, Kwara, and surrounding states. The army’s 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 in the area. The Nigerian Army’s denial of the report highlights the importance of verifying information through official channels to avoid spreading misinformation.
