Police in Kogi State have foiled an attempted raid on their operational base in Obajana, arresting several suspects following a heavy exchange of gunfire.
The attack on Monday is believed to have been a retaliatory move by “sleeper cells” of criminal gangs following a series of precision air strikes on their hideouts over the weekend.
The Kogi State Police Command confirmed that the assailants were “effectively neutralised and degraded” after officers on duty launched a coordinated counter-drill.
‘Swiftly repelled’
According to police spokesperson CSP William Aya, the gunmen attempted to target facilities and assets at the Obajana Operational Base but were met with a firm response from operatives.
“Several suspects were arrested, many of whom sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries during the exchange,” the statement read.
Security forces are now conducting follow-up operations to track down fleeing members of the gang and investigate the “source and motive” behind the brazen assault on the police facility.
High-level assessment
Following the skirmish, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Special Operations, AIG Alonyenu F. Idu, visited the base alongside the State Commissioner of Police for an on-the-spot assessment.
Key takeaways from the visit:
- Officer Morale: The AIG commended the “courage and professionalism” of the men who repelled the attack.
- Sustained Offensive: Instructions were given to maintain the “onslaught” against banditry in the region.
- Public Reassurance: Residents of Obajana were urged to remain calm as security patrols are intensified.
Air wing support
The foiled attack follows a major security offensive over the weekend. Supported by the Nigeria Police Force Air Wing, authorities carried out precision strikes on several “flashpoints” and assembly points used by bandits across the state.
Kogi State has seen an increase in security operations in recent months as the government moves to dismantle criminal syndicates operating in the central Nigerian region.
Police have called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals, particularly those seeking medical treatment for gunshot wounds, to the nearest station.
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