The Kogi State Police Command has foiled an attempted attack on the Obajana Operational Base by suspected criminal elements and arrested several suspects.
This was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP William Aya, in Lokoja, the state capital.
Aya said the operation was a follow-up to last weekend’s security offensive, supported by the Nigeria Police Force Air Wing through precision airstrikes across identified flashpoints, hideouts and assembly points frequented by bandits and other criminal elements in the state.
The statement partly read, “The operation recorded significant success, which is believed to have provoked sleeper cells of the hoodlums.
“In a bid to retaliate, the criminal elements attempted to launch an attack on assets and facilities at the Obajana Operational Base.”
He said 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,” the statement added.
Aya added that the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Special Operations in Kogi State, AIG Alonyenu F. Idu, accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Kankarofi, visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.
“During the visit, 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,” Aya said.
The police reassured residents of Kogi State, particularly those in Obajana and its environs, that sustained security operations would be intensified until all criminal syndicates were completely dismantled.
“Members of the public are encouraged to support the police by providing timely and useful information and promptly reporting 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 statement concluded.
