Nigerian Army troops
Nigerian Army has firmly denied reports that armed bandits overran troops and stole weapons in Kwara State, describing the claims as entirely false and misleading.
The report, published by an online platform (NOT NATIONAL ACCORD) on Sunday, alleged that bandits ambushed soldiers in the Obanla area, overpowering them and escaping with six General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and 30,000 rounds of ammunition.
In response, Lt.-Col. Polycarp Okoye, Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 2 Division, stated that the story was a fabrication intended to misinform the public and undermine the morale of troops involved in ongoing operations.
According to him, troops from 148 Battalion (Rear), who are currently conducting clearance operations across parts of Kwara and Kogi states, have continued to record significant successes in the fight against armed groups.
> “In a recent encounter, troops mounted a blocking position along the Kwara–Ekiti border, neutralised two armed bandits, and recovered two brand-new AK-47 rifles,” Okoye said.
He emphasized that, “At no time were Army positions overrun, nor was any cache of weapons or ammunition lost, as mischievously reported.”
Okoye urged the public to disregard the false claims and continue to support the military with credible information that could aid ongoing operations.
He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks across Kogi, Kwara, and neighboring states.
*Growing Threat of Banditry in North-Central Nigeria*
While the Army has dismissed this particular report as untrue, the North-Central region of Nigeria has seen a worrying rise in violent attacks by armed groups. States like Niger, Benue, Plateau, and parts of Kogi and Kwara have experienced increased incidents of rural killings, kidnappings, and community raids in recent years.
These attacks are often linked to bandit gangs operating across state borders, exploiting forested terrain and weak security presence in remote areas. The violence has displaced thousands, disrupted farming activities, and strained local security forces.
Although most attention has focused on the North-West, the North-Central is increasingly becoming a hotspot for similar criminal activities, making military operations in the region both timely and necessary.
