NIGERIA: Army Debunks Report Of Bandits Overrunning Troops In Kwara

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

The Nigerian Army has refuted an online report claiming that bandits overran its troops and made away with six General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and over 30,000 rounds of 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, the Army described the report as “false, misleading, and mischievous,” insisting that no such incident occurred.

According to the statement, troops of the 148 Battalion (Rear), who are currently engaged in clearance operations across Kogi and Kwara States, have continued to make significant gains against criminal elements.

The Army said the troops recently mounted a strong blocking position along the Kwara–Ekiti border, where they engaged and neutralised two armed bandits, recovering two brand-new AK-47 rifles in the process.

The statement read: “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 our gallant troops.”

The Army emphasized its commitment to restoring peace and security across the country, vowing to sustain ongoing counter-banditry and anti-crime operations until all criminal networks in Kogi, Kwara, and neighbouring states are dismantled.

It urged members of the public to disregard the false report and continue supporting military operations by providing credible information that could aid security efforts.

“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its mission to defend the nation and ensure that all forms of criminality are decisively dealt with,” the statement added.