Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force has foiled an attempted attack on its Operational Base in Obajana, Kogi State, and arrested several suspected criminal elements involved in the incident.

The attempted attack followed a major clearance and aggressive operation conducted by the Nigeria Police Force on 10 January 2026 across identified flashpoints, hideouts, and assembly points known to be frequented by bandits and other criminal elements within Kogi State. The operation, which was supported by the Nigeria Police Force Air Wing through precision airstrikes, recorded significant successes and is believed to have triggered a retaliatory response by sleeper cells of the criminals.

According to police sources, the suspects attempted to attack assets and facilities at the Obajana Operational Base in a bid to avenge the earlier operation. However, the attack was swiftly repelled as police operatives on duty carried out a coordinated counter-drill, effectively neutralising and degrading the assailants.

Several suspects were arrested during the operation, many of whom sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries in the exchange. Security operatives have since launched further actions to track down fleeing suspects and to unravel the source and motive behind the attempted attack on the police facility.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Special Operation in Kogi State, AIG Alonyenu F. Idu, alongside the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, psc, mni, visited the Operational Base for an on-the-spot assessment. During the visit, the AIG commended the officers and men for their bravery and professionalism, urging them to remain vigilant and sustain the ongoing offensive against banditry and other criminal activities in the state.

The Nigeria Police Force has reassured residents of Kogi State, particularly those in Obajana and surrounding communities, of its commitment to intensifying and sustaining security operations until all criminal syndicates are completely dismantled. Members of the public were also encouraged to support ongoing efforts by providing timely and useful information and reporting suspicious movements or persons to the nearest law enforcement agency, noting that public cooperation remains crucial to maintaining peace and security across the state.