By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Nigerian Army has dismissed a viral online publication claiming that bandits overran its troops and carted away weapons and ammunition in Kwara State. the Army describe the report as false, malicious, and misleading.
In statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, the publication is a deliberate fabrication aimed at creating unnecessary panic and discrediting the ongoing military operations in the North Central region.
“At no time were Army positions overrun, nor was any cache of weapons or ammunition lost to criminal elements, as mischievously reported by the online platform,” Lt. Col. Okoye stated.
He explained that contrary to the misleading report, troops of 148 Battalion (Rear), who are conducting clearance operations across Kogi and Kwara States, have continued to record significant operational successes.
“In a recent engagement, our troops mounted a strong blocking position along the Kwara–Ekiti border axis, where they neutralized two armed bandits and recovered two brand-new AK-47 rifles,” the Army spokesman revealed.
Lt. Col. Okoye emphasized that the troops remain steadfast and professional in the discharge of their constitutional duties, and no such incident as reported ever occurred in Obanla or any part of Kwara State.
Describing the false story as a “deliberate attempt to misinform the public and undermine troop morale,” the Army urged journalists and online publishers to verify information before dissemination, especially when it concerns national security.
The publication is a fabrication designed to mislead the public and demoralize gallant troops who are working tirelessly to restore peace and stability in the region,” Lt. Col. Okoye said.
He assured Nigerians that the Nigerian Army remains fully committed to ensuring that all forms of criminality are decisively dealt with across the country.
“We will continue to sustain the tempo of operations until all criminal networks in Kogi, Kwara, and adjoining states are completely dismantled,” he affirmed.
The Army also called on members of the public to disregard the false report and continue supporting the military with timely and credible information to aid ongoing counter-criminality operations.
