Kogi Police Arrest Key Suspect In Ayegunle Attack, Identify Gang Members, Recover 100 Rustled Cattle

The Kogi State Police Command said it has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing operation to track down those responsible for the coordinated bandit attack on Ayegunle Community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of the State and along the Kabba–Obajana Road on June 1, 2026.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Afusat Oyiza Saliu, security operatives have arrested a key suspect linked to the attack, identified additional members of the criminal syndicate, and recovered 100 rustled cattle.

The statement disclosed that following a distress call received at about 2:49 a.m. reporting sporadic gunfire in Ayegunle Community, the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, immediately deployed tactical and operational teams to the area.

She noted that a joint security operation involving personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Kogi State Vigilante Service, Forest Guards, Civilian Joint Task Force, and other security stakeholders, was swiftly launched to respond to the attack.

According to the police spokesperson, preliminary investigations revealed that the assault was masterminded by a notorious bandit leader known as Batijo. Intelligence reports indicated that the attack was allegedly carried out in retaliation for the arrest of some members of his criminal network.

“The traditional ruler of Ayegunle Community, Oba Sunday Omodamori, was reportedly the primary target of the operation, with the attackers intending to abduct him. However, their plan failed as the monarch was not at home when the gunmen invaded the community.

“The attackers subsequently ransacked parts of the community and abducted three residents identified as Ojo Abiodun, Bunmi Sunday, and Chief James Obayomi. Tragically, Chief Obayomi was later killed while attempting to escape from captivity, while the two other victims remain in the custody of the abductors,” she added.

Narrating the chain of events, the police said; “After leaving the community, the hoodlums reportedly moved to the Kabba–Obajana Road, where they blocked the highway and opened fire on passing vehicles. They forcefully stopped a container truck and shot its driver in both legs.

“The gunmen also intercepted two commercial 18-seater buses with registration numbers ENU 444 ZJ and MKD 698 XH, abducting several passengers. Another commercial bus, with registration number MKA 837 ZA, came under attack after its driver reportedly refused to stop.

“During the incident, a passenger identified as Abdullahi Hashimu was killed instantly after sustaining gunshot wounds, while four others suffered varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to medical facilities in Kabba for treatment.”

Police said approximately 30 persons, including residents of Ayegunle Community and passengers travelling on the affected buses, were abducted during the attack.

She added, “Security operatives immediately launched coordinated search-and-rescue operations and traced the fleeing criminals deep into the forest.

“Their trail reportedly led to a Fulani settlement where it was discovered that the bandits had rustled about 200 cattle while retreating from the community.

“Sustained bush-combing operations, intelligence-driven raids, and aggressive pursuit by security personnel eventually forced the criminals to abandon about 100 of the stolen cattle.

“The operation also led to the arrest of one Ibrahim, described as a core member of Batijo’s criminal network.”

According to the police, the suspect is currently assisting investigators and has provided useful intelligence that led to the identification of other members of the gang, namely Aliyu, Lamido, Muhadahire, and Kache.

“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the identified suspects and dismantle the criminal syndicate,” the statement said.