June 16, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel
Nigerian troops have recorded a major victory in the fight against terrorism after killing notorious terror kingpin Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo and more than 15 members of his criminal network during a high-profile operation in Kogi State.
The intelligence-led operation, carried out by the Nigerian Army in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Tactical Team, reportedly prevented a planned mass abduction of students writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
According to security authorities, Battijo was neutralized on June 10 during a failed kidnapping mission in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Military sources described the operation as a significant breakthrough against criminal networks responsible for kidnappings, attacks on communities, and threats to educational institutions across Nigeria’s North-Central region.
Battijo had reportedly been on security watchlists for multiple violent crimes and was also linked to the recent attack on a church in Eruku, Kwara State, an incident that heightened security concerns in the region.
Following credible intelligence and surveillance reports, troops tracked the movement of the terrorist leader and his associates before engaging them in a fierce gun battle. The operation resulted in the death of Battijo and several members of his gang.
Subsequent clearance missions led to the recovery of more than 15 terrorist bodies, including suspected gang members who attempted to flee after the initial confrontation.
Authorities said the successful operation disrupted a planned large-scale kidnapping targeting students and dealt a heavy blow to criminal networks operating across Kogi, Kwara, and neighboring states.
The military has pledged to continue intelligence-driven offensives against terrorist groups and kidnappers while efforts remain underway to track down surviving members of Battijo’s network.
Security analysts believe the elimination of the wanted kingpin could significantly weaken kidnapping and terrorist activities in parts of Nigeria’s North-Central region.
