Kogi Governor Ododo Briefs Nuhu Ribadu as Troops Eliminate Terror Kingpin Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo

The Nigerian Military has neutralized a top terrorist leader, Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo, in an operation in Kogi State.

Security forces reportedly foiled a planned attack on students sitting their West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) based on credible intelligence, killing Battijo during a coordinated operation.

The Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has since briefed the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on the successful mission following the development.

Ododo briefed Ribadu on the killing of the bandit kingpin on Monday, a statement by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation said on Monday.

The statement signed by Maryam Abubakar Gulma, narrated that during the meeting, Governor Ododo gave a detailed account of the intelligence-driven operation that culminated in the neutralization of the criminal leader, describing it as a product of effective collaboration between federal security agencies, local security structures and the Kogi State Government.

According to the Governor, highly sophisticated intelligence assets were deployed to track the movements and activities of Battijo and his gang, which culminated in the discovery of their plot to attack and abduct students writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination at Government Secondary School, Iluke, in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.

Following credible intelligence, the Kogi State Government promptly moved the students from a vulnerable location to the heart of Iluke town to ensure their safety while they continued their examinations.

“Despite the proactive intervention of government and security agencies, Battijo and his gang attacked the community in a desperate bid to carry out their criminal mission. However, the Nigerian military troops in synergy with other security agencies, the Kogi State Vigilante Service and local hunters successfully repelled the attack. “In the ensuing fierce gun battle, the notorious bandit kingpin was neutralized and his criminal network suffered devastating losses,” a statement said.

“In a follow-up clearance mission after the elimination of Battijo, troops of the Nigerian Army led by the Commander, 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Karim Sidi, successfully exhumed the remains of the slain terrorist leader for further examination and intelligence purposes,” the Governor added.

The operation also led to neutralization of more members of Battijo’s gang who had been hiding around the area after the first encounter.

“Earlier, security forces had recovered more than fifteen bodies of bandits during clearance operations, underscoring the scale of the victory recorded against the criminal group and confirming the operation as a comprehensive success,” the statement added.

Ribadu Replies
In response, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said the elimination of Kachalla Battijo was a major breakthrough in the country’s fight against terrorism and banditry.

According to the NSA, who described Battijo as one of the most dangerous terrorists operating in the country, his neutralization is a major milestone in the ongoing national efforts to restore peace and security across Nigeria.

He commended Governor Ododo for his commitment, courage and uncompromising resolve in fighting insecurity, noting that the feat is a testament to the effectiveness of strong collaboration between state governments and federal security institutions.

Mallam Ribadu stated that Kogi State plays a strategic role in Nigeria’s security architecture, because of its unique position as a gateway state which borders nine states and the Federal Capital Territory. He promised the continued support of the Federal Government and security agencies in consolidating the gains already recorded in the fight against criminality.

The National Security Adviser also said that the successful operation is a testament to the efficacy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s security reforms and the expanding synergy among security institutions under the Renewed Hope Agenda.