Ododo Meets NSA Ribadu Over Elimination of Terrorist Leader Battijo, Hails Tinubu’s Security Strategy
Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has briefed National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu on the successful operation that eliminated notorious terrorist kingpin Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo, describing the feat as a major breakthrough in the fight against insecurity.
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has formally briefed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on the security operation that led to the elimination of notorious terrorist and bandit leader, Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo, describing the development as a significant victory in the ongoing fight against criminality.
Governor Ododo, during a visit to the NSA in Abuja on Monday, provided details of the intelligence-led operation, which he said was executed through coordinated efforts involving federal security agencies, local security networks, and the Kogi State Government.
According to the governor, security operatives deployed advanced intelligence resources that tracked the activities and movements of Battijo and members of his gang. The operation reportedly uncovered plans by the criminal group to attack Government Secondary School, Iluke, in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area and abduct students participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Ododo explained that upon receiving the intelligence report, the state government swiftly relocated the students from vulnerable locations to safer areas within Iluke town to ensure the continuation of their examinations without disruption.
Despite the preventive measures, the terrorist group reportedly launched an attack on the community in an attempt to carry out its mission. However, security forces, including troops of the Nigerian Army, police personnel, operatives of the Kogi State Vigilante Service, and local hunters, engaged the attackers in a fierce confrontation.
The governor said the ensuing operation resulted in the elimination of Battijo, while several members of his criminal network were also neutralized.
He disclosed that subsequent clearance operations by troops of the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Commander, 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Karim Sidi, led to the recovery of the slain terrorist leader’s remains for further investigation and intelligence gathering.
The follow-up operation also resulted in the neutralization of additional gang members who had gone into hiding after the initial encounter. Security personnel reportedly recovered more than 15 bodies of suspected bandits during the clearance exercise, underscoring the scale of the operation.
Governor Ododo praised the contributions of the National Security Adviser, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) for their support in tackling insecurity within the state.
He also commended members of the Kogi State Vigilante Service and local hunters, noting that their familiarity with the terrain and commitment to community security played a critical role in the success of the operation.
The governor further lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for strengthening the nation’s security framework and providing the leadership required to confront terrorism, banditry, and other forms of violent crime across the country.
According to him, recent security successes recorded in Kogi State and other parts of Nigeria demonstrate the effectiveness of ongoing reforms under the Federal Government.
Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s determination to sustain pressure on criminal elements and ensure that Kogi State remains hostile territory for terrorists, kidnappers, and bandits.
“Kogi State will never serve as a refuge for criminal groups. We will continue to collaborate with federal security agencies to protect lives and property while preventing the state from being used as a corridor for attacks on neighbouring states,” the governor stated.
Responding, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu described the elimination of Battijo as a major achievement in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.
Ribadu reportedly characterized the slain kingpin as one of the most dangerous criminal figures operating within the country and said his neutralization marked an important milestone in ongoing operations aimed at restoring peace and security nationwide.
The NSA commended Governor Ododo for his commitment to security and praised the cooperation between state authorities and federal security agencies, describing it as a model for combating insecurity.
He emphasized the strategic importance of Kogi State within Nigeria’s security architecture, noting its location as a gateway state connecting several parts of the country and sharing boundaries with nine states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Ribadu assured the governor of continued federal support in consolidating security gains already achieved and strengthening efforts against criminal networks.
The meeting was attended by senior security officials and the Kogi State Security Adviser.
Observers have described the elimination of Battijo, the recovery of multiple bandit casualties, and subsequent operations against his network as one of the most significant security breakthroughs recorded in recent times, highlighting the growing collaboration between the Federal Government and Kogi State authorities in confronting insecurity.