Army Refutes Claim Bandits Overran Troops In Kwara

By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigerian Army has dismissed as false and misleading online reports which alleged that bandits overran troops and carted away six General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and over 30,000 rounds of ammunition in Obanla, Kwara State.

Lt. Col. Polycarp Okoye, Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division, stated in a press statement that contrary to the sensational claims, troops of 148 Battalion (Rear) conducting ongoing clearance operations across Kogi and Kwara States have continued to record significant operational successes. 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 that at no time were Army positions overran, nor was any cache of weapons or ammunition lost to criminal elements as mischievously reported by the online platform.

Okoye stated that 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.

The statement stated that the  Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring that all forms of criminality are decisively dealt with across the country.

“Members of the public are, therefore, urged to disregard the false report and continue to support the military with timely and credible information that would aid ongoing operations”.

The Nigerian Army also reiterated its readiness to sustain the tempo of operations until all criminal networks in Kogi, Kwara, and adjoining States are dismantled.