Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
The Nigerian Army has firmly debunked an online publication alleging that armed bandits overpowered troops and made away with heavy weaponry in Obanla, Kwara State. According to Army authorities, the report—which claimed the loss of six General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and over 30,000 rounds of ammunition—is entirely false and aimed at misleading the public.
Having followed the evolution of similar misinformation campaigns in past years, it’s clear that this latest claim mirrors previous attempts to discredit military efforts in the North-Central region. For years, security sources and analysts have noted how false narratives are often circulated to stir public panic or undermine ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
In a statement released by Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division, the Army emphasized that its troops from the 148 Battalion (Rear) have not only maintained full operational control but have also achieved notable victories in their ongoing clearance operations across Kwara and Kogi States.
The Army disclosed that during a recent engagement along the Kwara–Ekiti border, troops neutralized two armed bandits and recovered two brand-new AK-47 rifles—further demonstrating their operational readiness and capability. “At no time were Army positions overrun, nor was any cache of weapons or ammunition lost to criminal elements,” the statement read, stressing that the report was “a fabrication designed to mislead the public and undermine troop morale.”
Security analysts familiar with operations in the area confirmed that the 2 Division has been instrumental in maintaining stability along the Kwara–Kogi corridor—an area that has seen sporadic bandit activity over the years. The Army’s quick rebuttal reflects its growing sensitivity to information warfare, a tactic often used by criminal groups to project false victories and destabilize public trust.
The statement urged Nigerians to disregard the misleading publication and continue providing credible information that could help security forces track and dismantle criminal networks. “The Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring peace and stability across the country,” Lt. Col. Okoye reaffirmed, adding that troops will sustain their operations until all armed groups are neutralized.
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