– Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Monday briefed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on the successful operation that led to the elimination of notorious terrorist and bandit leader, Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo, in Kogi State.
During a meeting in Abuja, Governor Ododo provided details of the intelligence-led operation, describing it as the result of effective collaboration between federal security agencies, local security outfits and the Kogi State Government.
According to the governor, security operatives deployed sophisticated intelligence assets to track Battijo and members of his gang, leading to the discovery of an alleged plot to attack and abduct students sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) at Government Secondary School, Iluke, in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.
Ododo said the state government promptly relocated the students from the vulnerable examination centre to a safer location in the heart of Iluke town to ensure the continuation of their examinations without disruption.
Despite the preventive measures, Battijo and his gang reportedly attacked the community in an attempt to execute their plan. However, security forces comprising personnel of the Nigerian military, other security agencies, the Kogi State Vigilante Service and local hunters repelled the attack.
The governor disclosed that the ensuing gun battle resulted in the death of the terrorist leader, while several members of his criminal network were also neutralised.
He further revealed that in a follow-up clearance operation, troops of the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Brigadier General Karim Sidi, Commander of the 12 Brigade, exhumed the remains of Battijo for further examination and intelligence gathering.
The operation also led to the elimination of additional gang members who had reportedly gone into hiding after the initial encounter. Security forces had earlier recovered more than 15 bodies of suspected bandits during clearance operations in the area.
Governor Ododo expressed appreciation to the National Security Adviser, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) for their support and the commitment of security personnel involved in the operation.
He also commended members of the Kogi State Vigilante Service and local hunters for their contributions, noting that their knowledge of the terrain played a significant role in the success of the mission.
The governor praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as unwavering commitment to strengthening the nation’s security architecture and tackling terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality.
According to him, the elimination of Battijo and ongoing successes against criminal elements across the country demonstrate the effectiveness of the administration’s security initiatives.
Ododo urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies and government efforts aimed at restoring peace and security nationwide.
“Kogi State will never be a safe haven for terrorists, bandits or any criminal group. We will continue to work with federal security agencies to protect our people and ensure that our territory is not used as a launching pad for attacks on neighbouring states,” the governor said.
In his response, Ribadu described the elimination of Battijo as a significant breakthrough in the country’s fight against terrorism and banditry.
The National Security Adviser reportedly characterised Battijo as one of the most dangerous terrorist figures operating in Nigeria and said his neutralisation represented a major milestone in efforts to restore peace and security.
He commended Governor Ododo’s commitment to addressing insecurity and noted that the operation highlighted the benefits of strong cooperation between state governments and federal security institutions.
Ribadu also emphasised Kogi State’s strategic importance to national security due to its location and shared boundaries with nine states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
He assured the governor of continued federal support in sustaining security gains and strengthening efforts to combat criminality across the country.
The governor was accompanied on the visit by senior security officials and the State Security Adviser.
The Kogi State Government described the elimination of Battijo, the recovery of more than 15 suspected bandits’ bodies, and subsequent operations against members of the gang as one of the most significant counter-terrorism successes recorded in recent times, underscoring the collaboration between the Federal Government and Kogi State in efforts to enhance security and protect lives and property.
