Troops Storm Kogi Forest to Exhume Body of Notorious Bandit Kingpin Ibrahim Battijo [VIDEO]

Nigerian Army troops, under the command of Brigadier General Karim Sidi, Commander of the 12 Brigade in Lokoja, have conducted an exhumation operation in a dense forest near Iluke, Bunu, in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, to retrieve the body of suspected bandit kingpin Ibrahim Battijo for autopsy. The operation took place on Monday, following Battijo’s neutralisation during a failed mass abduction attempt targeting West African Examinations Council (WAEC) students in Iluke on June 10, 2026. The move is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to ensure transparency and gather forensic evidence in the fight against banditry in the region.

The exhumation was carried out to facilitate a thorough forensic examination of Battijo’s remains. This step is critical to confirm the circumstances surrounding his death and to validate the details of the encounter between his group and military personnel. Security analyst Zagazola Makama confirmed the development, stating that the operation was led by Brigadier General Karim Sidi and executed in a remote, forested area where Battijo’s body had been buried after the June 10 incident. Makama emphasized that such procedures are essential for accountability and to support investigations into the activities of criminal elements operating in the area.

The failed abduction attempt on June 10 targeted WAEC students, a move that sparked widespread concern among parents, educators, and government officials. The attack highlighted the increasing boldness of bandit groups in targeting vulnerable populations, including students, in the North Central region. The neutralisation of Battijo, described as a notorious bandit kingpin, was seen as a significant blow to criminal networks operating in the area. His death has been widely reported, but the exhumation and autopsy are necessary to provide conclusive evidence and prevent misinformation.

The Nigerian Army’s actions reflect a broader strategy to dismantle bandit leadership structures through targeted operations and forensic verification. By retrieving and examining Battijo’s body, authorities aim to strengthen their case against other suspected accomplices and gather intelligence that could lead to further arrests. The operation also serves as a deterrent to other criminal elements, demonstrating the military’s commitment to justice and public safety.

As the autopsy proceeds, security agencies are expected to release findings in due course. The outcome may influence future military operations and policy decisions aimed at curbing banditry in Kogi State and neighboring regions. This development underscores the government’s resolve to protect citizens and restore peace in areas affected by insecurity. The retrieval of Battijo’s body marks a critical step in the ongoing battle against violent crime in Nigeria’s Northwest and North Central zones.