The Kogi State Government has confirmed that a coordinated security operation involving the Nigerian Military, the Nigeria Police Force, the Kogi State Vigilante Service, and local hunters successfully foiled a terrorist attack in Ikoyi, Ijumu Local Government Area, preventing what officials described as a potential major security crisis.
The attack occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, when armed bandits reportedly stormed a gathering in the community with the apparent intention of abducting residents and creating widespread panic.
According to the State Government, security operatives responded to distress calls within five minutes, engaging the attackers in a fierce gun battle that disrupted their plans and forced them to retreat into nearby forests.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the swift intervention of security personnel denied the criminals any opportunity to carry out their mission.
“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,” he said.
Fanwo revealed that intelligence reports indicate that several of the attackers sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange of fire before fleeing the area, adding that security agencies have launched a manhunt to apprehend the criminals.
He, however, 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.
The Commissioner 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 also 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, saying the reform has significantly enhanced intelligence gathering and rapid response capabilities across the State.
According to him, local hunters have also continued to play a strategic role in grassroots security operations, complementing the efforts of conventional security agencies and strengthening the State’s first line of defence against criminal elements.
The Government commended the courage and sacrifice of all security personnel involved in the operation and reiterated its commitment to supporting security agencies in sustaining the peace and stability currently enjoyed across Kogi State.
While urging citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies, the Government emphasized the need for strict compliance with security directives, particularly restrictions on unauthorized gatherings and activities in vulnerable locations and during vulnerable hours.
The State Government assured residents that the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo remains resolute in its determination to protect lives and property and will continue to deploy every available resource to ensure that criminal elements find no safe haven in Kogi State.
