Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A coordinated security operation involving the Nigerian Military, the Nigeria Police Force, the Kogi State Vigilante Service, and local hunters successfully foiled a suspected terrorist attack in Ikoyi Community, Ijumu Local Government Area, on Saturday evening, preventing what officials described as a potential major security crisis and sending the assailants fleeing into nearby forests with gunshot wounds.
The attack occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on June 6, 2026, when heavily armed bandits reportedly stormed a gathering in the community with the apparent intention of abducting residents and creating widespread panic. The Kogi State Government, in a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, disclosed that security operatives responded to distress calls within five minutes, engaging the attackers in a fierce gun battle that disrupted their plans.
“The bravery, professionalism and synergy displayed by the Nigerian Military, the Police, the Kogi State Vigilante Service and local hunters ensured that the attack was successfully repelled and prevented what could have been a major security disaster,” Fanwo said. Intelligence reports indicate that several of the attackers sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange of fire before escaping. Security agencies have since launched a manhunt to track down and apprehend the fleeing criminals.
The Commissioner confirmed that one member of the Tiv community lost his life in the crossfire, while another sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment. The government called on residents to support ongoing security operations by promptly reporting anyone found with suspicious gunshot wounds or seeking treatment for firearm-related injuries.
Fanwo noted that the incident further validated the effectiveness of Kogi State’s community-based security architecture, stressing that the seamless collaboration among conventional security agencies, local vigilantes and hunters was instrumental in neutralizing the threat. He highlighted the growing impact of the Kogi State Vigilante Service following its integration into the mainstream civil service by the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, stating that the move has strengthened intelligence-gathering and rapid-response capabilities across the state.
The Commissioner further acknowledged the contributions of local hunters, describing them as vital partners in grassroots security operations and an important component of the state’s first line of defence against criminal elements. The government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting security agencies in maintaining peace and security across Kogi State and assured citizens that Governor Ododo’s administration will continue to deploy all necessary resources to ensure that criminal elements have no safe haven.
Residents were advised to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and comply with security directives, particularly regarding unauthorised gatherings and activities in vulnerable locations and during odd hours. As of the time of this report, the manhunt for the fleeing attackers continues, and the identities of the deceased civilian and the injured victim have not been released.
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