Nigeria police foil attack on Obajana town, arrest several suspects
In a significant victory for law enforcement and the residents of Kogi State, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has successfully thwarted a daring attack on Obajana town. The attempted assault, which targeted a strategic police operational base, ended in a decisive defeat for the criminal elements involved, leading to the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of vital intelligence.
The Obajana Confrontation: What Happened?
On Monday, January 12, 2026, a group of suspected bandits and criminal elements launched an offensive against the Obajana Operational Base. The attackers, likely emboldened by previous skirmishes in the region, expected to catch the security forces off guard. However, they were met with a superior tactical response.
According to a statement released by CSP William Ovye Aya, the Public Relations Officer for the Kogi State Police Command, the police operatives executed a swift and coordinated counter-assault. The firefight resulted in the neutralization of the threat, with several attackers sustaining gunshot wounds before being taken into custody.
A Retaliatory Move by Bandits?
Security experts suggest that this attempted attack was not a random act of violence but a desperate retaliatory strike. Just days prior to this incident, the Nigeria Police Force—supported by the Police Air Wing—conducted a massive sweep of known bandit hotspots and hideouts across Kogi State.
These aggressive aerial and ground operations significantly dislodged various criminal factions, destroying their camps and cutting off their supply lines. It appears the attack on the Obajana base was an attempt by the remnants of these groups to “strike back” at the heart of the police operations. Fortunately, the heightened state of vigilance within the command ensured the plot failed.
The Current Situation in Obajana
As of today, the situation in Obajana town remains under the firm control of the Nigeria Police. CSP Aya confirmed that:
- Suspects are in Custody: Several individuals linked to the attack are currently being interrogated to uncover the full extent of their network.
- Manhunt Ongoing: Police units are currently combing the surrounding bushes and nearby villages to track down fleeing members of the gang who escaped with injuries.
- Heightened Surveillance: There is an increased presence of security personnel in and around Obajana to prevent any secondary threats.
Police Assurance to Kogi Residents
The Kogi State Police Command has used this medium to reassure the general public, especially those living in the Obajana and Lokoja axis, that their safety is a top priority. The command emphasized that security operations will not only be maintained but intensified until all criminal networks in the state are completely dismantled.
The collaboration between the ground forces and the Air Wing has proven to be a game-changer in the fight against banditry in North-Central Nigeria. Residents are encouraged to remain calm but vigilant, reporting any suspicious individuals with unexplained injuries to the nearest police station.
Why Obajana is Strategically Important
Obajana is a critical economic hub, not just for Kogi State but for Nigeria as a whole, being home to one of the largest cement plants in Africa. Any security breach in this area has the potential to disrupt industrial activities and the movement of goods across the country. The successful foiling of this attack prevents what could have been a major economic and humanitarian disaster.
Final Thoughts
The bravery shown by the officers at the Obajana Operational Base serves as a testament to the ongoing reforms and tactical improvements within the Nigeria Police Force. While the threat of banditry still exists, the proactive nature of recent operations suggests that the tide is turning in favor of law and order.
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