The Nigerian Army has denied reports claiming that bandits overran its troops in Obanla, Kwara State, and seized six General Purpose Machine Guns along with over 30,000 rounds of ammunition.
Speculation had circulated that bandits ambushed military units following intelligence about impending operations, allegedly confiscating weapons and ammunition from a joint task force.
In a statement on Sunday, Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lt. Col. Polycarp Okoye, described the reports as “false and misleading.”
He said troops of the 148 Battalion (Rear), currently conducting clearance operations across Kogi and Kwara States, have instead achieved “significant operational successes.”
Okoye added that the soldiers recently set up a blocking position along the Kwara–Ekiti border, neutralising two armed bandits and recovering two brand-new AK-47 rifles.
“The Nigerian Army dismisses as false and misleading recent online claims that bandits overran troops and seized six General Purpose Machine Guns and over 30,000 rounds of ammunition in Obanla, Kwara State,” he said.
“Contrary to these sensational reports, our troops continue to record operational successes in ongoing operations.”