Troops Storm Kogi Forest To Exhume Body Of Notorious Bandit Kingpin, Ibrahim Battijo

Troops of the Nigerian Army, led by the Commander of 12 Brigade, Lokoja, Brigadier General Karim Sidi, have entered a forest near Iluke in Bunu, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, to exhume the body of suspected bandit kingpin Ibrahim Battijo for an autopsy.

The operation was carried out on Monday following Battijo’s death during a failed mass abduction attempt targeting WAEC students in Iluke on June 10, 2026.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the exercise was conducted to allow forensic experts carry out a proper examination and confirm details surrounding the death of the suspected bandit leader after his encounter with troops.

Makama wrote, “A team led by the Commander, 12 Brigade Lokoja, Brigadier General Karim Sidi stormed the deep forest near Iluke, Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State to exhume the body of notorious bandit kingpin, Ibrahim Battijo, for an autopsy.

“Battijo was neutralized during a failed mass abduction attempt targeting WAEC students in Iluke on June 10, 2026.”

The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to investigate criminal activities in the area and gather further evidence related to the activities of the suspected bandit group.