Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has confirmed the that a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Ibrahim Batijo was neutralized during the recent terrorist attack on Iluke Community in Bunu District of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area.

Governor Ododo disclosed this Thursday when he visited Iluke Community to commiserate with residents and families affected by the attack, which claimed three lives and disrupted an ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination at Government Science Secondary School, Iluke.

“I am here today to see things for myself and do a spot assessment of the situation and commiserate over the unfortunate attack that happened yesterday,” Governor Ododo said.

He expressed sadness over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the deceased, the people of Iluke Community and the entire Bunu District.

According to the Governor, the successful neutralisation of Kachalla Ibrahim Batijo represents a major breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities in Kogi State.

He disclosed that the notorious bandit had recently relocated from the Babanla-Gugu Forest Axis of Kwara State into Tunga Forest Corridor of Kogi State on the 7th of December, 2025 with over one hundred motorcycles and armed terrorists in an attempt to establish a criminal base.

He noted that the bandit leader had been under close surveillance by security agencies following confrontations with local vigilantes during his arrival.

Governor Ododo explained that security agencies had consistently tracked the activities of the criminal gang and foiled several of their operations before the decisive encounter in Iluke.

He described the operation that led to Batijo’s elimination as a strategic action against criminal elements terrorising communities in the area, stressing that the achievement reflects the growing effectiveness of the security architecture in the state.

“What happened is a clear demonstration of the readiness of our security agencies to combat crime. I cannot guarantee what criminals may choose to do, but I can guarantee the readiness of Kogi State to confront them head-on. Kogi State will never surrender to fear,” he stated.

Governor Ododo also announced that plans for the establishment of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Iluke had reached an advanced stage.

He revealed that he had directed the Commander of the 12 Brigade, Chari-Maigumeri Barracks, Lokoja, to commence the deployment of personnel to the facility immediately.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security operations across the State, stressing that government would continue to review existing strategies and introduce new measures to tackle insecurity.

The Governor further disclosed that, with the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS), the State has commenced the training of 500 forest guards to complement ongoing security operations and improve intelligence gathering across forest areas in the state.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support in the fight against insecurity and also expressed appreciation to the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services for their collaboration and commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

“We will not surrender to criminals, and we will not pay ransom. We will continue to pursue those threatening the peace and security of our people until they are brought to justice,” he said.

He warned residents against providing logistics, shelter or any form of support to criminal elements, stressing that anyone found aiding bandits would face the full weight of the law.

Speaking during the visit, Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Bello Kankarofi, attributed the swift response of security operatives to the Governor’s consistent support for security agencies in the state.

He said the prompt intervention of security agencies prevented the bandits from abducting more than 40 students and community members during the attack.

The Chairman of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, Hon. Zaccheaus Dare, also commiserated with the families of the victims and commended Governor Ododo for his unwavering support for security agencies.

The Olu of Iluke, His Royal Highness Lawrence Folorunsho Ayinmiro, thanked Governor Ododo for personally visiting the community during its moment of grief.

The traditional ruler acknowledged the efforts of the State Government in improving security but noted that the attack had exposed existing vulnerabilities requiring additional intervention.

In his remarks, the Principal of Government Science Secondary School, Iluke, Mr. Mengbole Olorunfemi,commended the Governor’s interventions in the school and appealed for enhanced security measures to enable students continue their academic activities and complete their ongoing WAEC examinations without fear.

Other stakeholders at the community unanimously commended the State Government and security agencies for their prompt response to the attack and pledged continued support for efforts aimed at restoring peace and security in the community.