Troops of the Nigerian Army have exhumed the body of a suspected notorious bandit leader, Ibrahim Battijo, from a forest in Kogi State for forensic examination and autopsy.
The operation was led by the Commander of the 12 Brigade, Lokoja, Brigadier General Karim Sidi, who headed a team of soldiers into a remote forest near Iluke in Bunu District of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area on Monday.
According to security sources, the exercise was carried out to facilitate a proper autopsy and establish details surrounding the death of the suspected criminal kingpin.
Battijo was reportedly killed on June 10, 2026, during a failed attempt by armed bandits to abduct students sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Iluke community.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed that the exhumation became necessary as part of ongoing investigations into the incident and efforts to document the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death.
He stated that the operation was conducted under the supervision of Brigadier General Sidi, with troops navigating the dense forest where the body had been buried following the encounter.
“The team led by the Commander, 12 Brigade Lokoja, Brigadier General Karim Sidi, stormed the forest near Iluke, Bunu, in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area to exhume the body of notorious bandit kingpin Ibrahim Battijo for autopsy,” Makama said.
He added that Battijo was neutralised during a failed mass abduction attempt targeting WAEC candidates in the area.
The development is seen as part of ongoing military efforts to dismantle criminal networks and strengthen security operations across Kogi State and neighbouring areas.
