Security Forces Foil Terror Attack in Kogi, Several Bandits Reportedly Wounded

The Kogi State Government has confirmed that security operatives successfully foiled a suspected terrorist attack in Ikoyi, Ijumu Local Government Area, preventing what authorities described as a potentially devastating security incident.

The disclosure was made by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, in a statement issued on Sunday.

According to Fanwo, the attack occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Saturday when armed bandits allegedly attempted to exploit a public gathering in the community to launch an assault and abduct residents. The commissioner explained that the gathering reportedly violated an existing state security directive restricting public social events beyond approved hours in vulnerable areas.

Fanwo stated that the attackers had apparently intended to create panic within the community and carry out mass abductions before security operatives intervened.

However, he noted that a swift and coordinated response by security personnel frustrated the plan and prevented what could have escalated into a major security crisis.

According to the commissioner, personnel of the Nigerian Army, officers of the Nigeria Police Force, operatives of the Kogi State Vigilante Service and local hunters mobilised to the scene within minutes of receiving distress information.

“Their rapid intervention denied the bandits the opportunity to execute their mission, leading to a fierce gun battle that forced the criminals to abandon their plans and flee,” Fanwo said.

He added that the bravery, professionalism and synergy demonstrated by the various security agencies played a decisive role in preventing any successful abduction.

Despite the success of the operation, the commissioner disclosed that one resident lost his life during the incident, while another sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical attention.

Fanwo further revealed that intelligence reports indicate several of the fleeing attackers suffered gunshot wounds during the confrontation before escaping into nearby forests.

Security agencies, he said, have since launched an intensive manhunt for the suspects and are tracking their movements through ongoing intelligence operations.

The commissioner urged members of the public to support security efforts by promptly reporting any individual found with suspicious gunshot wounds or anyone seeking treatment for firearm-related injuries. According to him, the incident once again demonstrates the effectiveness of Kogi State’s community-based security architecture and the growing collaboration between conventional security agencies and local security networks.

Fanwo particularly commended the Nigerian military, the police, the Kogi State Vigilante Service and local hunters for what he described as an exceptional response that prevented a potentially tragic outcome.

He noted that recent reforms by the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, including the strengthening of the Kogi State Vigilante Service and support for local security structures, have significantly improved intelligence gathering and rapid response capabilities across the state.

“The extraordinary response time recorded during this operation reflects the readiness of our security architecture to confront criminal threats and protect our communities,” he stated.

The commissioner also reiterated the government's directive on compliance with security advisories, particularly restrictions relating to gatherings in vulnerable locations and at high-risk periods. He assured residents that the state government remains fully committed to safeguarding lives and property and will continue to provide the necessary support to security agencies to sustain peace, security and stability across Kogi State.

Fanwo urged citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with law enforcement agencies and continue providing credible information that could assist ongoing operations against criminal elements.