Nigerian troops have killed a notorious bandit commander, Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo, during a security operation that foiled an attempted mass abduction of students sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Kogi State.
The incident occurred in Iluke community, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, when armed bandits stormed the area and reportedly targeted a school where students were writing their exams.
The attackers also unleashed violence on the community, killing a vice principal, a child and another resident, causing panic as residents feared a large-scale abduction.
However, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade, working alongside local vigilantes and hunters, swiftly responded after receiving a distress alert. A fierce gun battle ensued, forcing the attackers to retreat and abandon their mission.
During the clash, security forces killed Battijo, identified as a key bandit leader linked to several kidnapping operations across parts of the North Central and North West regions. Security sources also said over 15 members of his gang were neutralised, while others escaped with injuries.
The military later recovered the body of the slain commander for identification and intelligence gathering as operations continue to track remaining members of the group.
Following the intervention, the affected students were moved to a safer location and allowed to continue their examinations under tightened security.
