Notorious Bandit Kingpin Battijo Killed During Failed WAEC Students Abduction In Kogi

Fresh details have emerged on the dramatic operation that led to the death of notorious bandit kingpin Battijo and his deputy, Dabbaba, during a failed attempt to abduct students writing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Kogi State.

The development has sparked celebrations across communities in Kogi and neighbouring states, where the feared criminal leader had allegedly orchestrated deadly attacks, kidnappings and other violent crimes for years.

According to security and community sources, Battijo had long terrorised communities across Zamfara State before relocating his operational base to the Gugu area of Kwara State. From there, he reportedly established control over vast forest corridors stretching into parts of Kogi State and other neighbouring regions.

Residents recalled that when the notorious gang leader first moved into Kogi territory, he reportedly passed through Isanlu in Yagba East Local Government Area. Local hunters who attempted to stop his convoy paid the ultimate price, as two of them were allegedly killed during a fierce confrontation.

The incident triggered outrage among residents, particularly youths in the Irunda area of Isanlu, who openly protested the growing insecurity and destruction linked to the activities of Battijo’s gang.

Security agencies had, however, been tightening the noose around the bandit leader in recent months. Around September last year, one of Battijo’s sons was arrested in Isanlu, while his wife and another son were apprehended near the Jamata Bridge axis in December during separate security operations.

Despite these setbacks, intelligence sources said the gang leader later relocated to the Tunga Forest area of Lokoja, from where he allegedly continued coordinating criminal activities and attacks.

His reign of terror finally came to an end on Wednesday when he and his second-in-command, Dabbaba, reportedly led an operation targeting students sitting for the ongoing WAEC examinations in Iluke Community, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area.

The attackers, said to have stormed the examination centre in a bid to whisk away dozens of students, were met with fierce resistance from security forces, local hunters and vigilante operatives who swiftly responded to distress calls.

A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the deaths of Battijo and Dabbaba, while the abduction plot was successfully foiled. All the students were rescued unharmed.

The operation has been widely hailed as a major breakthrough in the fight against banditry and kidnapping in Kogi State.
Residents and community leaders have praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for sustaining security operations across the state and providing support to security agencies combating criminal elements.

They also commended the military, police, air force personnel, local hunters and vigilante groups whose efforts contributed to the successful operation.

Special recognition has also been given to Commander Jerry Omodara, the State Security Adviser, for his role in coordinating security strategies that have led to a series of successes against criminal networks operating within the state.

For many communities that have lived under the shadow of fear for years, the death of Battijo represents more than the elimination of a notorious criminal. It is seen as a significant victory in the ongoing battle to reclaim forests, highways and rural communities from armed gangs.

As security agencies continue mopping-up operations and tracking fleeing members of the gang, residents have been urged to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information to authorities.

With the fall of one of the region’s most feared bandit leaders, many hope the operation will mark a turning point in the effort to restore lasting peace and security across Kogi State and beyond.