Security operatives in Kogi State have successfully foiled a suspected terrorist attack in Ikoyi, Ijumu Local Government Area, preventing what authorities described as a potential major security crisis in the state.
The Kogi State Government disclosed that the incident occurred at about 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, when armed bandits reportedly attacked a gathering in the community with the apparent intention of abducting participants and causing panic among residents.
According to a statement issued by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the gathering involved members of the Tiv community and was held in violation of an existing state government security directive restricting public social gatherings beyond 4 p.m.
The government said the attackers took advantage of the gathering and launched an assault on the community. However, security agencies responded swiftly, mobilising personnel to the scene within minutes of receiving reports of the attack.
Fanwo stated that troops of the Nigerian military, officers of the Nigeria Police Force, operatives of the Kogi State Vigilante Service and local hunters coordinated efforts to repel the attackers.
“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,” the commissioner said.
According to the state government, the coordinated operation prevented the abduction of any resident and averted what could have escalated into a large-scale security incident.
Despite the successful operation, one member of the Tiv community was killed during the exchange of gunfire, while another sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Authorities said intelligence reports indicate that several of the attackers suffered gunshot wounds during the encounter before escaping into nearby forests. Security agencies have since launched a manhunt to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The state government called on residents to assist security agencies by reporting any individual seeking treatment for suspicious gunshot wounds or firearm-related injuries at hospitals, clinics or other locations.
Fanwo described the operation as another demonstration of the effectiveness of Kogi State’s security framework, noting that the combined efforts of conventional security agencies, local vigilantes and hunters played a decisive role in frustrating the attack.
“This incident once again underscores the effectiveness of Kogi State’s community-based security architecture and the seamless collaboration among security agencies operating in the State,” he said.
The commissioner also highlighted the growing role of the Kogi State Vigilante Service in strengthening grassroots security following its integration into the mainstream civil service and the provision of pensionable appointments by the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
He added that local hunters have continued to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies through intelligence gathering and rapid response operations in vulnerable communities.
The state government commended the courage and professionalism displayed by all security personnel involved in the operation, saying their swift intervention prevented what could have resulted in significant loss of lives and widespread insecurity.
Fanwo further reiterated the importance of strict compliance with government-issued security directives, particularly restrictions on unauthorised gatherings and activities in vulnerable locations and during high-risk periods.
He said security agencies had been directed to enforce existing security measures across the state in order to safeguard lives and property.
“The Kogi State Government remains resolute in its commitment to protecting lives and property and will continue to provide every necessary support to security agencies to sustain the peace, security, and stability currently enjoyed across the State,” he said.
The latest incident comes amid ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat criminal activities and strengthen security across Kogi State, with authorities urging residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible intelligence to support law enforcement operations.
