By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Nigerian Army has dismissed as false and misleading an online report claiming that bandits overran troops and stole arms and ammunition in Kwara State.
The report, published on Sunday by an online platform, alleged that bandits ambushed and overpowered soldiers, seizing six General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and 30,000 rounds of ammunition in the Obanla area.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Lt.-Col. Polycarp Okoye, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division, described the report as a fabrication aimed at misleading the public and undermining troop morale.
He stated that troops of 148 Battalion (Rear), currently conducting clearance operations across Kogi and Kwara states, had continued to record successes against criminal elements.
“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.
“At no time were Army positions overrun, nor was any cache of weapons or ammunition lost, as mischievously reported,” he said.
Okoye urged the public to disregard the false report and continue supporting security forces with credible information to aid ongoing operations.
He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to dismantling all criminal networks in Kogi, Kwara, and surrounding states.
