Security forces foil terror attack in Kogi community, bandits suffer casualties

The Kogi State Government has announced that a joint security operation involving the Nigerian Military, the Nigeria Police Force, the Kogi State Vigilante Service, and local hunters successfully thwarted a suspected terrorist attack in Ikoyi, Ijumu Local Government Area, averting what authorities described as a major security threat.

The incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Saturday when heavily armed bandits reportedly invaded a gathering in the community with the intention of abducting residents and causing widespread panic.

According to the government, security operatives responded swiftly to distress calls, arriving within minutes and engaging the attackers in a fierce gun battle. The rapid intervention disrupted the criminals’ operation and forced them to flee into nearby forests.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday, praising the coordinated efforts of the security agencies and local hunters.

He said the professionalism, courage, and synergy displayed by the security personnel prevented what could have resulted in a serious security crisis in the community.

Fanwo revealed that intelligence reports indicate that several of the attackers sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange of fire before escaping. He added that security agencies have launched a manhunt to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The Commissioner, however, confirmed that one member of the Tiv community was killed in the crossfire, while another sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical attention.

The state government urged residents to support ongoing security operations by promptly reporting anyone with suspicious gunshot wounds or anyone seeking treatment for firearm-related injuries.

Fanwo noted that the incident underscored the effectiveness of Kogi State’s community-based security framework, emphasising that the collaboration between conventional security agencies, local vigilantes, and hunters played a critical role in neutralising the threat.

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He also highlighted the growing impact of the Kogi State Vigilante Service since its integration into the mainstream civil service by the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, stating that the move has strengthened intelligence-gathering and rapid-response capabilities across the state.

The Commissioner further acknowledged the contributions of local hunters, describing them as vital partners in grassroots security operations and an important component of the state’s first line of defence against criminal elements.

While commending the security personnel involved in the operation for their bravery and sacrifice, the government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting security agencies in maintaining peace and security across Kogi State.

Residents were advised to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and comply with security directives, particularly regarding unauthorised gatherings and activities in vulnerable locations and during odd hours.

The government assured citizens that Governor Ahmed Ododo’s administration remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and will continue to deploy all necessary resources to ensure that criminal elements have no safe haven in Kogi State.