Residents of Obajana community in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State have called on the state government and security agencies to strengthen security measures in the area to prevent future attacks and restore public confidence.
The appeal comes barely 24 hours after the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) foiled an attempted attack on the Obajana Divisional Police Headquarters, during which one member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) was killed.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday night, reportedly triggered panic across the community as sporadic gunfire lasted for several hours, forcing residents to remain indoors throughout the night.
Recounting their ordeal to journalists, residents said the gun battle between suspected bandits and combined security operatives created widespread fear and apprehension in the area.
A police source disclosed that the attackers, who arrived in large numbers, attempted to storm the Obajana Divisional Police Headquarters but were promptly repelled by officers on duty. The source confirmed the death of a CJTF operative during the confrontation, adding that several of the attackers were also neutralised.
One of the residents, Simon Okechuku, a building materials trader, urged the authorities to take urgent action to secure the community.
“We are calling on government and security agencies to strengthen security in the area to prevent future attacks and restore confidence. We are still in fears,” he said.
“It was a night we will never forget in a hurry. The gun duel between the armed bandits and security forces turned Obajana Community into a battle zone.”
Okechuku noted that although calm has since returned, persistent kidnappings and security threats in neighbouring communities remain a major concern, calling for a more coordinated and sustainable security strategy to prevent a recurrence.
Another resident, Salihu Jamiu, a plumber, commended security agencies for repelling the attackers but expressed sadness over the loss of the CJTF officer during the operation.
“We appreciate the efforts of the security agencies, but the community is deeply saddened by the loss of a CJTF member,” he said.
During a visit to the police facility, bullet holes were visible on the walls of the building, underscoring the intensity of the attack.
Meanwhile, a source told journalists on condition of anonymity that the attackers also cut a conveyor belt transporting coal at the Obajana Cement Plant, briefly disrupting operations before production was restored.
Speaking to journalists during an assessment visit, the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police in charge of Special Operations, Alonyenu Idu, said the swift and coordinated response by security operatives prevented the attackers from causing significant damage.
He recalled that on January 10, 2026, the NPF had conducted clearance and aggressive operations across identified bandit flashpoints in Kogi State, supported by precision airstrikes from the Police Air Wing.
According to the AIG, the success of those operations may have provoked sleeper cells of criminal elements to attempt a retaliatory attack on security assets in Obajana.
“However, the attempt was swiftly repelled as Police operatives on duty conducted a coordinated counter-drill, effectively neutralising and degrading the assailants,” he said.
“As a result of the operation, several suspects were arrested, many of whom sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries during the exchange.”
He added that security agencies were intensifying efforts to track fleeing suspects and unravel the source and motive behind the attack on the police operational base.
The AIG commended officers and men at the Obajana Operational Base for their courage and professionalism, urging them to sustain vigilance in the fight against banditry and other crimes in the state.
“The Nigeria Police Force reassures the good people of Kogi State, particularly residents of Obajana and its environs, that sustained security operations currently ongoing will be intensified and sustained until all criminal syndicates are completely dismantled,” he said.
He also appealed to residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information, stressing that public support remains crucial to maintaining peace and security across the state.
