Podium Reporters has verified that the report by Sahara Reporters claiming that bandits attacked a Nigerian Army base in Obanla, Kwara State, is completely false. The online platform had alleged that the attackers stole heavy weapons, including six machine guns and 30,000 rounds of ammunition, and that the Air Force failed to give backup.
However, findings and official st
atements show the story to be untrue.
Lt. Col. Polycarp Okoye of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division described the publication as “false and misleading.” He explained that there was no attack on any base and that no weapons were stolen. According to him, soldiers of the 148 Battalion recently carried out operations along the Kwara–Ekiti border, where two armed bandits were neutralised and rifles recovered.
Independent checks by Podium Reporters also confirmed that there were no signs of gunfire, casualties, or missing soldiers in the area. Locals said they never witnessed any attack, calling the Sahara Reporters’ story “purely made up.” Residents also commended the soldiers for maintaining regular patrols and ensuring safety in the region.
Sahara Reporters has faced similar criticism in the past for publishing exaggerated or false reports. The platform, owned by U.S.-based activist Omoyele Sowore, has been accused of spreading stories that undermine Nigeria’s security agencies and create panic.
Analysts say such reports are not acts of journalism but attempts to weaken public confidence and lower the morale of those defending the country.
Podium Reporters calls on citizens to confirm any sensitive information before spreading it. Nigeria’s troops deserve encouragement, not false accusations.
Verdict: ❌ False. There was no attack on any Army base in Kwara. The Sahara Reporters story is a clear case of misinformation.