The Nigerian Army has debunked as false and misleading an online report alleging that bandits overran its troops and made away with six General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and over 30,000 rounds of ammunition in Obanla, Kwara State.
In a statement issued on Sunday, October 5, 2025, by Lieut. Col. Polycarp Okoye, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division, the Army described the publication as a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and undermine the morale of personnel committed to ongoing operations.
The statement clarified that troops of 148 Battalion (Rear), who are actively engaged in clearance operations across Kogi and Kwara States, have been recording consistent operational successes. In one of the recent engagements, the troops reportedly mounted a blocking position along the Kwara–Ekiti border, where they neutralized two armed bandits and recovered two brand-new AK-47 rifles.
“At no time were any of our positions overrun, nor was any cache of weapons or ammunition lost to criminal elements, as mischievously reported by the online platform,” the statement read. “The report is entirely fabricated to create unnecessary panic and discredit the ongoing operations.”
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to decisively dealing with all forms of criminality across the country and called on members of the public to disregard the false publication. It also urged citizens to continue providing credible and timely information to support military efforts in maintaining peace and stability.
The statement further assured that the Army would sustain its operational momentum until all criminal networks operating within Kogi, Kwara, and neighbouring states are dismantled.
