The Nigerian Army has firmly debunked an online report alleging that bandits overran troops and made away with weapons and ammunition in Obanla, Kwara State, describing the publication as false, misleading and mischievously crafted to sow public distrust.
In a statement released by the Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, the Army clarified that no such incident occurred and that troops of the 148 Battalion (Rear) currently conducting clearance operations across Kogi and Kwara States have continued to record notable operational victories, not losses.
According to the statement, troops had recently established a strong blocking position along the Kwara–Ekiti border axis, where they engaged and neutralized two armed bandits, recovering two brand-new AK-47 rifles in the process. This, the Army noted, stands in direct contradiction to the online claims of troops being overpowered or weapon depots being compromised.
Lieutenant Colonel Okoye emphasized that Army positions were never overrun, nor was any cache of weapons or ammunition lost to criminal elements, as falsely reported by the online platform. He described the publication as a deliberate fabrication intended to erode public confidence and dampen the morale of gallant troops working tirelessly to maintain peace and stability in the region.
The Army reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to dismantling all criminal networks operating within Kogi, Kwara and neighboring states, assuring Nigerians that ongoing operations remain robust, intelligence-driven and successful.
Members of the public were urged to disregard the false narrative and continue providing credible, actionable information that supports the military’s ongoing efforts to rid the nation of armed threats.
The Nigerian Army reiterated that it will sustain the operational tempo until all elements threatening the peace and security of the North Central region are decisively neutralized.
