The Kogi State Police Command has foiled an attempted attack on the Obajana Operational Base by suspected criminal elements, arresting several suspects in the process.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday in Lokoja by the state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP William Aya. According to him, the foiled attack followed last weekend’s intensified security offensive across the state, which was supported by the Nigeria Police Force Air Wing through precision airstrikes on identified flashpoints, hideouts, and assembly points used by bandits and other criminal groups.
Aya explained that the success of the earlier security operations likely provoked sleeper cells of criminal elements, who attempted to retaliate by launching an attack on police assets and facilities at the Obajana Operational Base.
“The operation recorded significant success, which is believed to have provoked sleeper cells of the hoodlums,” the statement read. “In a bid to retaliate, the criminal elements attempted to launch an attack on assets and facilities at the Obajana Operational Base.”
He noted that the attack was swiftly repelled as police operatives on duty conducted a coordinated counter-drill, effectively neutralising and degrading the assailants. As a result, several suspects were arrested, many of whom sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries during the exchange.
The police spokesperson added that manhunt operations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects and to unravel the source and motive behind the attempted attack.
Following the incident, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Special Operations in Kogi State, AIG Alonyenu F. Idu, alongside the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Kankarofi, visited the operational base for an on-the-spot assessment. During the visit, the AIG commended officers and men of the command for their bravery, professionalism, and vigilance.
The police reassured residents of Obajana and other parts of Kogi State that sustained security operations would continue until all criminal syndicates are dismantled. Residents were also urged to support law enforcement by providing timely and useful information to aid crime prevention and detection.
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