Security operatives have killed notorious terrorist and bandit kingpin, Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo, during an intelligence-led operation in Kogi State that also foiled a planned attack and abduction of students writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The operation, carried out through a collaboration involving federal security agencies, the Kogi State Government, local vigilantes, and hunters, led to the neutralisation of the gang leader during a fierce gun battle.
Authorities subsequently exhumed Battijo’s body and recovered the bodies of more than 15 suspected bandits during follow-up clearance operations.
Meanwhile, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo has briefed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on the successful operation that led to the elimination of the notorious terrorist and bandit kingpin, Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo.
A statement by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the intelligence-led operation thwarted a planned attack and abduction of students writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination at Government Secondary School, Iluke, in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.
The statement noted that the exhumation of the slain kingpin’s remains was for intelligence purposes and led to the elimination of other members of his gang hiding in the area.
Governor Ododo commended President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, service chiefs, security agencies, vigilantes, and hunters for their roles in the operation, reaffirming that Kogi State would not be a safe haven for terrorists and other criminal elements.
Ribadu described Battijo’s elimination as a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism and banditry, assuring the state of continued federal support to sustain the gains recorded against insecurity.
