Residents of several communities in Kwara South have been placed on high alert following intelligence reports that armed terrorists fleeing sustained security operations in neighbouring Kogi State are infiltrating parts of Kwara after the killing of their notorious commander, Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo.
Security sources told SaharaReporters on Tuesday that members of Battijo’s gang have begun retreating into communities across Kwara South in the aftermath of the neutralisation of their leader during recent military operations in Kogi State.
The development has heightened fears of a fresh wave of insecurity in Kwara, as intelligence reports suggest that the fleeing terrorists are regrouping and plotting retaliatory attacks, kidnappings and violent assaults to avenge the death of their commander.
“The terrorists are fleeing from Kogi State back into Kwara South following the neutralisation of their commander, Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo,” a security source disclosed.
“They are moving back particularly to Ifelodun, Isin and Ekiti Local Government Areas. Security agencies and local vigilante groups must not relax at this critical time because the threat remains very serious.”
According to the source, the terrorists are relocating to strategic locations within Kwara State with the intention of establishing new operational bases from which they could launch attacks against vulnerable communities.
Intelligence reports further warn that the fleeing fighters may be preparing revenge missions in response to the death of Battijo, one of the most feared terrorist leaders operating across parts of Kwara and Kogi states.
“I can tell you that the bandits want to carry out retaliatory attacks because of their leader who was neutralised. Security agencies must remain alert and ensure they act swiftly to prevent any attack,” another source said.
Security insiders described Battijo as a key figure in the criminal network responsible for coordinating numerous kidnappings, violent raids and deadly attacks across several communities in Kwara South over the years.
Although he was eventually neutralised in Kogi State, intelligence sources revealed that Battijo maintained extensive operational networks across Kwara where his fighters frequently launched attacks.
“Battijo was neutralised in Kogi, but he was one of the key figures behind several attacks in Kwara South. His network was active across communities including Babanla, Oke-Ode, Oreke, Sebe, Omugo and other parts of the local government areas in Kwara South,” the source stated.
The latest security alert has triggered anxiety among residents of the affected communities, many of whom have endured repeated attacks by armed groups in recent years.
The infiltration of fleeing terrorists into Kwara further underscores growing concerns over the spread of banditry and insurgent activities beyond their traditional strongholds in Nigeria’s North-West into the North-Central region.
Security experts have repeatedly warned that military offensives, though necessary, could inadvertently force criminal groups to disperse into neighbouring states if sustained intelligence operations and territorial surveillance are not maintained.
Sources urged security agencies to intensify surveillance operations, strengthen intelligence gathering and deepen collaboration with local vigilante groups to prevent the terrorists from establishing new strongholds within Kwara State.
They warned that any delay in responding decisively to the emerging threat could expose vulnerable communities to fresh waves of kidnappings, killings and other violent attacks.
As residents remain on edge, security operatives face mounting pressure to prevent Kwara from becoming the next frontier in Nigeria’s expanding security crisis.