Aftermath Of Foiled Obajana Bandits’ Attack, Residents Call For Strengthening Of Kogi Security

Residents of Obajana Community in Lokoja local government area of Kogi State have called on the State government and security agencies to strengthen security in the area to prevent future attacks and restore confidence in the people.

The call was coming barely 24 hours after the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) foiled an attack on its Divisional Headquarters in Obajana, Kogi State, where one member of Civilian JTF was killed.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday night, triggered panic among residents as sporadic gunfire was said to have raged for several hours.

Residents of Obajana, while recounting their ordeal to journalists hours after the gun battle between suspected bandits and combined security operatives, said that the development had sent fears and apprehension across the community.

They added that while the exchange of gunfire lasted for several hours, families were forced to remain indoors throughout the night.

According to a Police source, the attackers, who came in large numbers, attempted to storm the Obajana Divisional Police Headquarters but were promptly repelled by officers on ground.

The source added that during the confrontation, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) confirmed the death of an officer of the Civilian Joint Task Force, but insisted that several of the attackers were equally neutralised.

A resident of Obajana, Simon Okechuku, who trades in building materials, said: “we are calling on government and security agencies to strengthen security in the area to prevent future attacks and restore confidence. We are still in fears.

“It was a night we will never forget in a hurry. The gun duel between the armed bandits and security forces turned Obajana Community into a battle zone.”

He noted that despite the return of calm to the area, persistent kidnappings and security threats in the surrounding communities were still a source of worry to the people of Obajana, and appealed for a more coordinated and sustainable security arrangement by government to prevent future attacks.

Another source told our reporter in confidence that the attackers also cut a conveyor belt at the Obajana Cement plant transporting coal, which he said briefly disrupted production before it was promptly restored.

Another resident, Salihu Jamiu, who is a plumber, praised security agencies for repelling the attackers, but however said that, the community was saddened when they got the news that an officer of the Civilian Joint Task Force lost his life during the confrontation.

During the visit to the Police facility, bullet holes could be seen on the walls of the building.

Speaking with journalists, the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police in charge of Special Operations, Alonyenu Idu, who led other senior police officers to Obajana, said the coordinated response from his men stopped the attackers from causing any serious damage.

It would be recalled that on January 10, 2026, the Nigeria Police Force had conducted a clearance and aggressive operations, 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.

According to the AIG, the operation recorded significant success, which he believed may have provoked sleeper cells of the hoodlums.

He added that 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,” he assured

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 Nigeria Police Force reassures the good people of Kogi State, particularly residents of Obajana and its environs, that sustained security operations currently ongoing will be intensified and sustained until all criminal syndicates are completely dismantled.

“Members of the public are encouraged 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,” the AIG added.