Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo on Monday briefed the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on the successful operation that led to the elimination of notorious terrorist and bandit kingpin, Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo, in Kogi State.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, the Governor visited the National Security Adviser to provide details of the intelligence-driven operation that culminated in the neutralisation of the terrorist and several members of his criminal network.
Governor Ododo said the operation was the result of effective collaboration among federal security agencies, local security structures and the Kogi State Government.
He disclosed that highly sophisticated intelligence assets were deployed to monitor the movements and activities of Battijo and his gang, leading to the discovery of 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.
According to the Governor, the state government relocated the students from a vulnerable location to the heart of Iluke town to guarantee their safety while they continued their examinations.
He noted that despite the proactive intervention, the terrorists launched an attack on the community in a desperate bid to execute their criminal mission but were repelled by the troops of the Nigerian military working in synergy with other security agencies, State Vigilante Service and local hunters.
Governor Ododo said Battijo was neutralised during the fierce gun battle, while his criminal network suffered significant losses.
The Governor further disclosed that a follow-up clearance operation by troops of the Nigerian Army led by the Commander, 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Karim Sidi, resulted in the discovery of the terrorist leader’s remains for further examination and intelligence purposes.
He added that the additional members of Battijo’s gang who had been hiding around the area after the initial encounter were also neutralised during subsequent operation.
Governor Ododo commended 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 for the gallantry displayed by officers and men deployed to Kogi State.
He also lauded the courage, patriotism and sacrifice of personnel of the Kogi State Vigilante Service and the Hunters Group, whose local knowledge and commitment contributed significantly to the success of the operation.
The Governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to strengthening the Nation’s security architecture and providing the leadership required to confront terrorism, banditry and other security threats across the country.
According to him, the successful elimination of Battijo and the sustained gains being recorded against criminal elements across the nation are clear indications that President Tinubu’s security initiatives are yielding measurable results.
Governor Ododo called on Nigerians to continue supporting the President and the nation’s security institutions, stressing that collective resolve remains essential to ending terrorism, banditry and violent criminality.
He assured the National Security Adviser that the elimination of Battijo has further strengthened public confidence in Kogi State’s security architecture and reinforced the determination of his administration to sustain the offensive against criminal elements.
The Governor maintained that Kogi State will never be a safe haven for terrorists, bandits or any criminal group, pledging continued collaboration with federal security agencies to protect lives and property.
Responding, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, described the elimination of Kachalla Battijo as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and banditry.
Ribadu, who described Battijo as one of the most dangerous terrorists operating in the country, said his neutralisation represents a major milestone in ongoing national efforts to restore peace and security across Nigeria.
He commended Governor Ododo for his commitment, courage and resolve in tackling insecurity, noting that the achievement demonstrates the effectiveness of strong collaboration between state governments and federal security institutions.
The NSA emphasised the strategic importance of Kogi State to Nigeria’s security architecture, due to its location as a gateway state that shares boundaries with nine states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He assured the Governor of the continued support of the Federal Government and security agencies in sustaining gains already recorded in the fight against criminality.
Ribadu added that the successful operation reflects the effectiveness of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s security reforms and the growing synergy among security institutions under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Governor Ododo was accompanied on the visit by senior security officials and the State Security Adviser.
