Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has met with the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to formally brief him on the successful operation that led to the elimination of notorious terrorist kingpin, Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo, in Kogi State.
This was contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo.
During the meeting, Governor Ododo presented a detailed account of the intelligence-led operation, describing the success as the result of effective collaboration among federal security agencies, local security operatives and the Kogi State Government.
The Governor revealed that advanced intelligence assets tracked Battijo and his gang, uncovering 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.
Acting on the intelligence, the state government relocated the students from a vulnerable location to the centre of Iluke town to ensure their safety and uninterrupted conduct of the examinations.
The Governor noted that despite the preventive measures, Battijo and his gang launched an attack on the community in a desperate attempt to carry out their mission but the attack was however repelled by troops of the Nigerian military, working alongside other security agencies, the Kogi State Vigilante Service and local hunters.
He noted in the ensuing gun battle, the terrorist kingpin was neutralized while his criminal network suffered heavy casualties.
He added that the operation was subsequently expanded through a clearance mission led by the Commander of the 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Sidi, during which troops recovered the remains of the slain terrorist leader for further examination and intelligence purposes.
Security forces also neutralized gang members who had fled into surrounding areas after the initial confrontation stressing that earlier clearance operations had resulted in the recovery of more than fifteen bodies, underscoring the scale of the victory and confirming the operation as a major success against criminal elements.
Governor Ododo expressed appreciation to the National Security Adviser, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services for their support and the gallantry displayed by security officers involved in the operation.
He also commended members of the Kogi State Vigilante Service and local hunters for their courage, patriotism and invaluable local intelligence that contributed significantly to the success of the operation.
The Governor further praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and providing the leadership needed to confront terrorism, banditry and other security threats across the country.
According to him, the elimination of Battijo and the sustained successes being recorded against criminal elements nationwide demonstrate that the President’s security initiatives are producing tangible results.
He urged Nigerians to continue to support the President and the nation’s security agencies, stressing that collective commitment remains vital to defeating terrorism, banditry and violent crimes.
Responding, Mallam Ribadu described the elimination of Battijo as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and banditry.
He commended Governor Ododo for his commitment and determination in tackling insecurity, noting that the achievement highlights the effectiveness of collaboration between state governments and federal security agencies.
Ribadu emphasized Kogi State’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s security architecture as a gateway state bordering nine states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He assured the Governor of continued federal support to consolidate gains already recorded in the fight against criminality.
Governor Ododo was accompanied on the visit by senior security officials and the State Security Adviser.
