Defense and Security
How Nigerian Troops Neutralise Notorious Terror Kingpin Ibrahim Battijo, Dismantle Criminal Network in Kogi
Nigerian troops have exhumed the body of suspected terrorist kingpin, Ibrahim Battijo, from a forest near Iluke in Bunu District of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Kogi State, as part of ongoing investigations into his criminal activities.
The operation was led by the Commander of 12 Brigade, Lokoja, Brigadier General Karim Sidi, who supervised a military team to the remote forest location where the suspected terror leader was buried.
Picture of notorious leader
According to military authorities, Battijo was neutralised on June 10, 2026, during a military operation that successfully foiled an alleged plot to abduct students writing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Iluke.
Security sources disclosed that the operation also resulted in the disruption of key elements of Battijo’s criminal network. The deceased kingpin was reportedly linked to several kidnapping, banditry and other violent criminal activities across parts of Kogi State and neighbouring areas.
Military officials said the exhumation was carried out to facilitate an autopsy and support further investigations aimed at uncovering additional details about the terrorist group’s operations and collaborators.