Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has briefed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, on a military-led operation that resulted in the elimination of notorious terrorist and bandit commander Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo.
The governor, who visited the NSA on Monday, described the operation as a major security breakthrough achieved through intelligence gathering, coordination between federal security agencies, local security groups and the Kogi State Government.
According to Ododo, advanced intelligence operations were deployed to track Battijo and members of his criminal network after security agencies uncovered plans to attack and abduct students sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) at Government Secondary School, Iluke, in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The state government subsequently relocated the students from the vulnerable location to central Iluke to enable them continue their examinations safely.
Security forces later engaged Battijo’s group after the gang attempted to carry out the planned attack. Troops of the Nigerian military, working alongside other security agencies, the Kogi State Vigilante Service and local hunters, repelled the assault.
The encounter resulted in the death of Battijo, while several members of his gang were also neutralised.
The operation continued with a follow-up clearance mission led by the Nigerian Army, during which troops recovered Battijo’s remains for further examination and intelligence analysis.
Security authorities also reported the recovery of more than 15 bodies of suspected bandits during subsequent operations, with additional members of the criminal group eliminated.
Governor Ododo praised the security forces involved in the operation, particularly personnel of the Nigerian military, police, intelligence agencies, the Kogi State Vigilante Service and hunters, for their role in dismantling the criminal network.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as continued efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security framework and tackle terrorism, banditry and violent crime.
Ododo said the success of the operation demonstrated that ongoing security reforms were producing results and urged Nigerians to continue supporting security institutions.
“Kogi State will never be a safe haven for terrorists, bandits or any criminal group,” the governor said, adding that his administration would continue working with federal authorities to protect communities.
Responding, Ribadu described Battijo’s elimination as a significant achievement in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and organised crime.
The NSA said Battijo was regarded as one of the major security threats operating in the country and that his removal represented progress in efforts to restore stability.
He commended Governor Ododo’s cooperation with security agencies, saying the operation reflected the importance of collaboration between state governments and federal institutions.
Ribadu also highlighted Kogi’s strategic importance due to its location as a gateway state bordering nine states and the Federal Capital Territory, stressing that continued security operations in the region remained critical.
He assured the governor of sustained federal support to maintain pressure on criminal networks.
The NSA further linked the operation to broader security reforms under the Tinubu administration, saying improved coordination among security agencies was strengthening Nigeria’s response to emerging threats.
The latest operation is being viewed by security authorities as one of the most significant recent actions against bandit networks in the North-Central region, reinforcing ongoing efforts to improve public safety and restore confidence in affected communities.
