The Nigerian Army has dismissed claims that bandits overran its troops in Obanla, Kwara State, carting away six General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and over 30,000 rounds of ammunition.
In a statement released by the Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, the military described the report as false, misleading, and sensationally fabricated to weaken public confidence and troop morale.
According to Okoye, troops of the 148 Battalion (Rear), who are currently engaged in clearance operations across Kogi and Kwara States, have been recording steady operational gains.
“Contrary to the sensational claims, the troops mounted a strong blocking position along the Kwara–Ekiti border axis, where they neutralised two armed bandits and recovered two brand-new AK-47 rifles,” Okoye clarified.
He further stressed that no Army formation was overrun and no cache of weapons or ammunition was lost to criminal elements, insisting that such rumours are designed to misinform Nigerians and discredit the efforts of the military.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in decisively tackling all forms of criminality across the country. We will sustain the tempo of operations until all criminal networks in Kogi, Kwara, and adjoining states are dismantled,” the statement added.
Lieutenant Colonel Okoye also assured residents that the troops are winning the war against banditry, terrorism, and other criminal activities across the region. He urged citizens to disregard false media reports and rely only on verified information from official military sources.
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