In a statement on Monday, the police said the incident followed a clearance operation carried out on 10 January 2026 across identified hideouts, flashpoints and assembly areas used by bandits and other criminal groups in the state. The operation, which was supported by the Nigeria Police Force Air Wing through precision airstrikes, recorded significant success and is believed to have provoked a retaliatory response from the suspects.
“The criminal elements attempted to launch an attack on our assets and facilities at the Obajana operational base, but the attempt was swiftly repelled by police operatives on duty,” the statement said.
It added that several suspects were arrested, many of whom sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries during the exchange. Follow-up operations are ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects and determine the motive behind the attack.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Special Operations in Kogi State, AIG Alonyenu F. Idu, accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, visited the base for an on-the-spot assessment.
They commended the officers for their professionalism, courage and vigilance, urging them to sustain the fight against banditry and other criminal activities in the state.
The police assured residents of Obajana and surrounding communities that security operations would be intensified until criminal networks are dismantled.
Members of the public were urged to support law enforcement by providing timely information and reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
