Kogi Police repel armed attack on Obajana Operational Base

By Richard Elesho

The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that its operatives successfully foiled an attempted attack on the Obajana Police Operational Base by suspected criminal elements, leading to the arrest of several suspects linked to the assault.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, William Ovye Aya, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists on Monday evening, reassuring residents of the state of the police’s readiness to counter criminal threats. He also urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.

According to the statement, the attempted attack followed a major security operation carried out on January 10, 2026, during which the Nigeria Police Force, supported by its Air Wing, conducted clearance and aggressive operations across identified flashpoints, hideouts and assembly points used by bandits and other criminal groups in Kogi State.

The operation, which involved precision airstrikes, recorded significant successes and is believed to have unsettled criminal sleeper cells in the state.

“In a bid to retaliate, the criminal elements attempted to launch an attack on assets and facilities at the Obajana Operational Base,” the statement said.

“However, the attempt was swiftly repelled as police operatives on duty conducted a coordinated counter-drill, effectively neutralising and degrading the assailants.”

The police said several suspects were arrested during the exchange, many of whom sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

Security operations are ongoing to track and apprehend fleeing suspects, while investigations are also underway to determine the source and motive behind the attack on the police facility.

Following the incident, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the special operation in Kogi State, Alonyenu F. Idu, alongside the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, Naziru Bello Kankarofi, visited the Obajana Operational Base for an on-the-spot assessment.

During the visit, the AIG commended the officers for their courage and professionalism, urging them to remain vigilant and resolute in the ongoing fight against banditry and other criminal activities.

The police command assured residents of Obajana and surrounding communities that security operations across the state would be intensified and sustained until all criminal syndicates are dismantled.

It also appealed to the public to promptly report suspicious movements or persons to the nearest law enforcement agency, stressing that community cooperation remains critical to maintaining peace and security in Kogi State.