THE Kogi State Government has confirmed that security operatives successfully foiled a terrorist attack in Ikoyi, Ijumu Local Government Area, preventing what officials described as a potentially major security crisis in the state.
According to a statement sent to News Point Nigeria by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, when a group of Tiv residents allegedly violated an existing state government security directive restricting public social gatherings beyond 4:00 p.m.
The government said armed bandits exploited the gathering and launched an attack with what appeared to be the intention of abducting participants and causing panic within the community.
Fanwo said the attackers’ plans were thwarted by a swift and coordinated response from security personnel.
“However, in a swift and coordinated response that demonstrated the effectiveness of Kogi State’s security architecture, personnel of the Nigerian Military, officers of the Nigeria Police Force, operatives of the Kogi State Vigilante Service, and local hunters mobilised to the scene within five minutes of the attack,” the statement said.
According to the government, the rapid deployment of security personnel denied the criminals the opportunity to execute their mission and triggered a fierce gun battle.
“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 bravery, professionalism, and synergy among the security agencies successfully thwarted the attack and prevented the abduction of any resident,” Fanwo stated.
Despite the successful operation, the government disclosed that one member of the Tiv community lost his life during the exchange of gunfire.
“Regrettably, one member of the Tiv community lost his life in the crossfire, while another sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical attention,” the statement added.
The government further revealed that intelligence reports suggest several of the attackers sustained gunshot wounds during the confrontation before escaping into nearby forests.
“Available intelligence indicates that several of the attackers suffered gunshot wounds during the encounter before fleeing into nearby forests. Security agencies have since launched a manhunt and are currently tracking the fleeing criminals,” the statement said.
The state government appealed to residents to support ongoing security operations by reporting anyone found with suspicious gunshot wounds or seeking treatment for firearm-related injuries.
Authorities urged members of the public to immediately notify the nearest police station or security formation if they encounter such individuals.
The Kogi State Government said the incident once again demonstrated the effectiveness of the state’s community-based security architecture and the strong collaboration among various security agencies operating across the state.
According to the government, the extraordinary response time of less than five minutes by the military, police, vigilante operatives and local hunters proved decisive in frustrating the attackers and averting what could have become a major security disaster.
“The extraordinary response time of less than five minutes by the Nigerian Military, the Police, the Kogi State Vigilante Service, and local hunters proved decisive in frustrating the attackers and preventing what could have been a major security disaster,” the statement noted.
The government also highlighted the contributions of the Kogi State Vigilante Service, noting that its integration into the mainstream civil service under the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has strengthened intelligence gathering and rapid response capabilities across the state.
“The Kogi State Vigilante Service, following its integration into the mainstream civil service and the provision of pensionable appointments by the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, has significantly strengthened intelligence gathering and rapid response capabilities across the state,” the statement said.
Fanwo further praised the role of local hunters, describing them as a critical component of grassroots security efforts.
“Likewise, the Hunters Group continues to play a critical role in grassroots security operations, complementing the efforts of conventional security agencies and enhancing the state’s first line of defence against criminal elements.”
The state government commended all security personnel involved in defending the community, describing their actions as courageous, professional and selfless.
According to the government, the operation reflected the readiness of security agencies in the state to confront criminal threats wherever they emerge.
“Their prompt response and commitment to duty once again demonstrate the readiness of Kogi State’s security apparatus to confront criminal threats wherever they arise,” the statement added.
The government reiterated the need for residents to strictly comply with all security directives, particularly restrictions relating to unauthorised gatherings and activities in vulnerable locations and during vulnerable hours.
“We wish to reiterate the importance of strict compliance with all security directives issued by the Government, particularly restrictions on unauthorised gatherings and activities in vulnerable locations and at vulnerable hours. Security agencies have been directed to ensure full enforcement of these measures in the interest of public safety,” Fanwo said.
The Kogi State Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, pledging continued support for security agencies working to maintain peace and stability across the state.
It also urged residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and continue providing credible intelligence that would help keep communities safe and prevent future attacks.