‘Designed to mislead’ — army rejects report of bandits overrunning troops in Kwara

The Nigerian Army has rejected a report alleging that bandits overran troops and carted away weapons in Kwara state.

In a statement on Sunday, Polycarp Okoye, deputy director of army public relations, 2 Division, described the publication as “false and aimed at misleading the public”.

The online report had claimed that armed bandits ambushed soldiers in the Obanla area, seizing six General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and 30,000 rounds of ammunition.

Okoye said the story was fabricated to create panic and undermine the morale of troops deployed for internal security operations.

He said soldiers of the 148 battalion (rear), currently carrying out clearance missions across Kogi and Kwara states, have continued to record significant victories against criminal gangs.

“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,” 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.

“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 urged the public to disregard what he described as a “misleading report” and to support ongoing military operations with credible intelligence.

He reaffirmed the army’s resolve to dismantle criminal networks operating in Kogi, Kwara, and neighbouring states.

Security operations have intensified across north-central Nigeria in recent months, especially in Kogi, Kwara, and Niger, following repeated assaults on rural settlements and major roadways by armed groups.

The army’s rebuttal comes days after a deadly assault in Oke-Ode, Ifelodun LGA of Kwara, where suspected bandits reportedly killed no fewer than 15 residents.

The attack triggered mass displacement, forcing hundreds to abandon Oke-Ode and nearby villages, while schools, including the Kwara State College of Nursing Sciences, were moved to Ilorin for safety.