Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Tactical Team, have neutralised over 15 terrorists, including wanted kingpin Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo, during an intelligence-led operation in Kogi State.
Battijo, identified as the mastermind of the recent church attack in Eruku, Kwara State, was killed on 10 June 2026 during a foiled kidnapping attempt.
The military confirmed the development on Tuesday, saying the operation also dismantled key elements of his network and significantly disrupted terrorist and kidnapping activities across the North Central region.
It added that follow-up clearance operations led to the recovery of more than 15 bodies, including gang members who reportedly attempted to flee after the initial encounter.
On 15 June 2026, a team from the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, led by Brigadier General Karim Sidi, exhumed Battijo’s body for autopsy in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Brigadier General Sidi commended ONSA for its intelligence and operational support, noting that it played a critical role in the success of the mission.
Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, while briefing the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, said the operation was made possible through actionable intelligence and advanced surveillance used to track Battijo and his associates.
He added that intelligence gathered during the operation also uncovered a plot to attack and abduct students sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) at Government Secondary School, Iluke, in Kabba/Bunu LGA.
The governor said the operation not only eliminated a high-value target and weakened his network but also foiled a planned attack on students, underscoring the effectiveness of intelligence-driven security operations in the region.