The Kogi State Government says security forces neutralised the suspected bandit leader during an intelligence-led operation linked to a planned attack in Kabba/Bunu area.
The Kogi State Government has confirmed the killing of suspected bandit leader Kachala Ibrahim Batijo during a security operation carried out in the state.
According to the government, Batijo was among several suspected bandits neutralised during an operation involving security agencies, local vigilantes, and hunters operating in the Kabba/Bunu axis of Kogi State.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo reportedly briefed National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu on the operation, describing it as an intelligence-driven effort coordinated between federal security agencies and local security structures.
The operation followed intelligence reports alleging that the group planned to attack and abduct students writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination at Government Secondary School, Iluke.
Despite reported preventive deployments, security operatives engaged the armed group in a gun battle after the attackers allegedly moved into the community. The state government said the confrontation resulted in the death of Batijo and other members of the gang.
The development adds another layer to ongoing security operations across parts of North-Central Nigeria, where authorities continue efforts to contain armed attacks and abductions linked to bandit groups.
The Kogi State Government said follow-up clearance operations were also conducted after the confrontation.
