The Nigerian Army has strongly denied claims that armed bandits ambushed its troops and made away with weapons and ammunition in Obanla, Kwara State, describing the reports as completely false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 2 Division, the military dismissed the publication that alleged the loss of six General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and over 30,000 rounds of ammunition as a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and weaken the morale of its personnel. According to Okoye, the troops of the 148 Battalion (Rear), who are currently conducting clearance operations across Kwara and Kogi States, have continued to record remarkable successes in their mission to restore security in the region.
He explained that soldiers recently engaged a group of armed bandits along the Kwara–Ekiti border, neutralizing two of them and recovering two brand-new AK-47 rifles. The statement emphasized that at no point were military positions overrun, nor were any weapons captured by criminals, as falsely claimed in the report. The Army reaffirmed that its troops remain firmly in control of their operational areas and continue to demonstrate professionalism, discipline, and resilience in combating insecurity.
The Nigerian Army urged the public to disregard false reports aimed at creating panic and instead support ongoing security efforts by providing credible and timely information. The military also reiterated its commitment to sustaining the tempo of its operations until all criminal networks operating in Kogi, Kwara, and neighboring states are completely dismantled.
Despite the Army’s reassurance, the security situation in parts of Kwara and Kogi has continued to deteriorate, with recent attacks leaving residents in fear and uncertainty. On Friday, gunmen invaded Bareke, a community in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kwara State, around 2 a.m., abducting a woman and her two children. The victims’ husband narrowly escaped with injuries during the attack, which occurred close to the residence of Senator Karimi.
Just a day before, armed men attacked a commercial bus in Ejiba, also in Yagba West, kidnapping all passengers onboard. A motorcyclist identified by serial number 256 was reportedly shot dead during the assault. These incidents have fueled growing concern among residents who now live in fear of further attacks. Many communities have been deserted as families flee to safer areas to escape the increasing wave of violence.
On October 1, 2025, another attack was reported at Bethel Farm in Ejiba, where three individuals were kidnapped by gunmen. Earlier that same morning, along the Ejiba–Odo-Eri route, a bread distributor was ambushed, and one of his staff members was shot. Photographs obtained showed a burnt motorcycle believed to belong to vigilante officers who had attempted to confront the attackers during the raid.
Days earlier, a video circulated online showing Okunran community in Yagba West completely deserted following a series of violent assaults by bandits. The footage revealed empty homes and abandoned streets as terrified residents fled their homes in large numbers to avoid further bloodshed.
The resurgence of violent attacks has prompted public outcry and renewed calls for decisive government intervention. Security analysts have urged authorities to strengthen intelligence-gathering and improve coordination among security agencies to curb the escalating insecurity in the region.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army continues to insist that it remains in firm control of the situation and will not relent in its mission to rid Kwara, Kogi, and surrounding areas of bandit and terrorist activities.