Nigerian Army Debunks Report Of Bandits Overrunning Troops In Kwara
•By KAZEEM OYENIYI
IBADAN – THE Nigerian Army has debunked a viral online report claiming that bandits overran a military base and made away with weapons and ammunition in Obanla, Kwara State.
In a statement issued on Sunday, October 5, 2025, by Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division Headquarters Ibadan, the Army described the report as false, misleading, and aimed at undermining public confidence in military operations.
According to the statement, troops of 148 Battalion (Rear), who are currently engaged in clearance operations across Kogi and Kwara States, have continued to record notable successes in combating criminal elements in the region.
“In a recent engagement, the troops mounted a strong blocking position along the Kwara–Ekiti border axis, where they neutralized two armed bandits and recovered two brand-new AK-47 rifles,” the Army stated.
The Army categorically denied the claim that any of its positions were overrun or that six General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and 30,000 rounds of ammunition were stolen, as reported by an unnamed online platform.
“This publication is a fabrication designed to mislead the public and undermine the morale of our gallant troops, who are working tirelessly to restore peace and stability in the region,” the Army said.
Reassuring the public, the statement emphasized the military’s commitment to eradicating criminal elements in the region and beyond. It urged citizens to disregard the false report and continue to support the military with credible and timely information.
“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 statement concluded.