The Nigerian Army has strongly refuted swirling reports that claimed bandits successfully overpowered its troops, making off with six General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and more than 30,000 rounds of ammunition in the Obanla area of Kwara State.

Speculation had been rife that the bandits ambushed military units, having reportedly received advance intelligence regarding the Army's impending operations against them.

The unsubstantiated reports further alleged that no fewer than six GPMGs and over 30,000 rounds of ammunition were forcefully taken from a Nigerian Army joint task force by the criminal elements. The Army insists these claims are false.

Reacting in a statement on Sunday, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lt. Col. Polycarp Okoye, described the report as false and misleading.

Okoye stated that troops of 148 Battalion (Rear), currently conducting clearance operations across Kogi and Kwara States, had instead recorded "significant operational successes."

He further explained that the soldiers recently mounted a blocking position along the Kwara-Ekiti border, where they neutralised two armed bandits and recovered two brand new AK-47 rifles.

"The Nigerian Army has dismissed as false and misleading a recent online publication alleging that bandits overran troops and carted away six General Purpose Machine Guns and over 30,000 rounds of ammunition in Obanla, Kwara State.

"Contrary to the sensational claims, troops of 148 Battalion (Rear) conducting ongoing clearance operations across Kogi and Kwara States have continued to record significant operational successes.

"In a recent engagement, the troops mounted a strong blocking position along the Kwara-Ekiti border axis, where they neutralised two armed bandits and recovered two brand new AK-47 rifles," he said.