Insecurity
EXCLUSIVE: Terrorists Fleeing Kogi After Neutralisation Of Commander Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo Relocate To Kwara South, Plot Retaliatory Attacks, Security Sources Warn
According to the sources, the terrorists were displaced following the killing of Battijo during a security operation in Kogi State and have since been retreating into communities within Kwara South.
Ilorin, Kwara State– Security sources have raised fresh concerns over an imminent security threat in parts of Kwara State following the reported neutralisation of notorious terrorist commander Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo, who was allegedly responsible for a series of deadly attacks and kidnappings across communities in Kwara and Kogi states.
Sources familiar with ongoing security operations told Afrika Eyes on Tuesday that members of Battijo’s criminal network are fleeing from Kogi State and moving into several areas of Kwara South, where they are allegedly regrouping and planning fresh attacks and kidnappings.
According to the sources, the terrorists were displaced following the killing of Battijo during a security operation in Kogi State and have since been retreating into communities within Kwara South.
“They are fleeing back to Kwara South, particularly into Ifelodun Local Government Area, as well as Isin and Ekiti local government areas,” one of the security sources said.
“The security agencies must not relax their collaboration with local vigilante groups. This is a critical period because the terrorists are looking for safe locations to regroup.”
The source warned that the fleeing terrorists may launch retaliatory attacks in response to the loss of their commander.
“I can tell you that the bandits want to carry out retaliatory attacks because of their leader who was neutralised. Security agencies must remain alert and ensure they act swiftly to prevent any fresh wave of violence,” the source added.
The security source further explained that Battijo was neutralised in Kogi State but had played a major role in coordinating attacks and kidnappings across several communities in Kwara South.
According to the source, Battijo’s network was linked to violent activities in communities including Babanla, Oke-Ode, Oreke, Sebe, Omugo and other parts of Kwara South, where residents have repeatedly complained of insecurity, abductions and attacks by armed criminal groups.
The latest intelligence has generated fears among residents and local security stakeholders, who worry that the movement of the terrorists into Kwara communities could trigger a fresh cycle of violence if urgent preventive measures are not taken.
Meanwhile, community leaders have repeatedly called for increased surveillance, intelligence gathering and stronger cooperation between conventional security agencies and local vigilante groups to prevent terrorists and kidnappers from establishing new operational bases in the region.
Afrika Eyes had earlier reported that the traditional ruler of Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, has been confirmed dead after his abductors allegedly demanded ₦21 million in cash, two new motorcycles and a jerrycan of petrol as conditions for his release.
The monarch’s death was announced by a member of a community committee involved in efforts to secure his freedom in a voice message obtained by Afrika Eyes.
In the emotional message obtained by Afrika Eyes, the committee member informed residents that all efforts by the monarch’s family, community members, committees and Islamic clerics to secure his safe return had failed.
He said: “Allah in His mercy said in the Holy Qur’an that we all human beings on earth belong to Him, and to Him we shall return, whether when we expect it or when we do not expect it.
“This is to inform the Olayinka community, both male and female, both young and old, that our beloved father, His Royal Highness Alhaji Salman Olatunji, the monarch of Olayinka, has answered the call of his Creator. The will of God has come to pass on him.
“All the rumours everyone is hearing from different angles and all the efforts that have been made by the family, residents, committees and Alfas since his abduction have now ended with the will of God prevailing. Whether one likes it or not, every soul will return to its Creator, but no one knows the means through which that return will happen.”
The speaker urged residents of the community to accept the monarch’s death as the will of God, noting that extensive efforts and investigations had been carried out over the past week in the hope that the traditional ruler would return home alive.
