Armed bandits in the early hours of Monday, January 12, 2026 launched an attack on Obajana Police Operational Base in Lokoja, Kogi State.
The police operational base which is located few meters away to the plant of Obajana Cement Plc owned by Dangote Group came under attack for what observers believed was a revenge mission.
Recalled that on 10th January, 2026, the Nigeria Police Force conducted a clearance and aggressive operation, supported by the Nigeria Police Force Air Wing through precision airstrikes, across identified flashpoints, hideouts, and assembly points known to be frequented by bandits and other criminal elements within Kogi State.
The operation recorded significant success, which is believed to have provoked sleeper cells of the hoodlums.
However, reports gathered from residents, indicated that many of the bandits were killed while one policeman also lost his life.
The attack on police operational base in Obajana was successfully foiled by policemen on duty who promptly engaged the invading bandits in a cross fire that lasted hours.
One of the policemen at the Operational Base when bandits invaded the facility confirmed the superiority of police fire power during the shootout.
He said many of the the bandits were either killed or wounded
“The bandits came on a visit and they were received well,” the policeman who does not want his name in print.
CSP William Ovye Aya,
Police Public Relations Officer, Kogi State Command, confirmed the development in a statement issued Monday night.
He said the armed bandits came : “In a bid to retaliate, the criminal elements attempted to launch an attack on assets and facilities at the Obajana Operational Base.
“However, the attempt was swiftly repelled as Police operatives on duty conducted a coordinated counter-drill, effectively neutralising and degrading the assailants.
“As a result of the operation, several suspects were arrested, many of whom sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries during the exchange.
“Law enforcement actions are ongoing to track and apprehend other fleeing suspects, as well as to unravel the source and motive behind the attack on the Police Operational Base.”
Aya said the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Special Operation in Kogi State, AIG Alonyenu F. Idu, accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, have visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.
“During the visit, the AIG commended and motivated the officers and men at the Operational Base, urging them to sustain their courage, vigilance, and professionalism in the ongoing onslaught against banditry and other criminal activities in the State,” the statement said.
The Police Command then reassured the good people of the state, particularly residents of Obajana and its environs, that sustained security operations currently ongoing will be intensified until all criminal elements are completely dismantled.
It also encouraged members of the public to continue to support the Police by providing timely and useful information and to promptly report suspicious movements, strange persons, or groups to the nearest law enforcement agency.
Such cooperation remains vital to sustaining peace, safety, and harmony across the State, Aya stated. (vitalnewsngr.com)
