Nigeria foils attack on police operational base
Authorities said efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing suspects.
Police in Nigeria’s north-central Kogi State foiled an attempted attack on a major police base by ‘‘criminal elements’’, arresting several suspects during the incident.
State broadcaster NTA reported that the Police Public Relations Officer in Kogi State, William Aya, confirmed the development in a statement on Monday, describing the attack as a failed retaliatory move following recent security operations across the state.
“The Nigeria Police Force has foiled an attempted attack on the Obajana Operational Base by suspected criminal elements and successfully arrested several suspects,” Mr Aya said.
According to the police, the incident occurred days after a police-led clearance operation carried out on 10 January, which targeted identified flashpoints, hideouts, and assembly points believed to be used by terrorists and other criminal groups in Kogi State.
Provoked terrorist sleeper cells
Mr Aya said the operation was supported by the Nigeria Police Force Air Wing, which conducted what he described as precision air strikes. He added that the success of the operation may have provoked terrorist sleeper cells operating in the area.
The police spokesperson said the suspects attempted to retaliate by attacking police assets and facilities at the Obajana base but were repelled by officers on duty.
“Police operatives on duty conducted a coordinated counter-drill, effectively neutralising and degrading the assailants,” he said, adding that several suspects were arrested during the exchange, many of whom sustained gunshot injuries.
The police said efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing suspects.
Frail security
The attempted attack comes amid heightened security operations and a spate of violent incidents across parts of Kogi State.
Local media reports say police and military forces have launched joint air and ground operations in forested areas, dismantling several terrorist camps.
These operations followed a series of deadly attacks and abductions, particularly in the Yagba and Kabba-Bunu axes of the state.
On 31 December 2025, suspected terrorists attacked Omi-Ara community in Yagba West Local Government Area, abducting an unspecified number of residents.