KOGI ATTACK: POLICE APPREHEND PRIME SUSPECT, RECOVER 100 CATTLE
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By; Sunmola Ganiyat
The Kogi State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing investigation into the recent bandit attack on Ayegunle Community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area and along the Kabba–Obajana Road, arresting a key suspect and recovering 100 rustled cattle.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Oyiza Afusat, said the arrest followed a coordinated security operation launched after reports of gunfire in Ayegunle Community in the early hours of June 1, 2026.
According to the statement, Commissioner of Police Naziru Kankarofi immediately deployed tactical teams to the area after receiving a distress call at about 2:49 a.m. Joint security operatives, including personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Kogi State Vigilante Service, Forest Guards and the Civilian Joint Task Force, were mobilised to respond to the attack.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the assault was allegedly orchestrated by a notorious bandit leader identified as Batijo. Intelligence reports indicate that the attack was carried out in retaliation for the arrest of some members of his criminal network.
The attackers reportedly targeted the traditional ruler of Ayegunle Community, Oba Sunday Omodamori, with plans to abduct him. However, the monarch was not at home when the gunmen stormed the community.
The assailants subsequently abducted three residents—Ojo Abiodun, Bunmi Sunday and Chief James Obayomi. While in captivity, Chief Obayomi was reportedly killed after attempting to escape, while the other victims remain in the custody of the kidnappers.
The criminals later moved to the Kabba–Obajana Road, where they blocked traffic and opened fire on motorists. A truck driver sustained gunshot wounds to both legs, while passengers travelling in commercial buses were also abducted.
During the attack, a passenger identified as Abdullahi Hashimu was killed after a commercial bus came under gunfire, while four others sustained injuries and were taken to medical facilities for treatment.
Police said approximately 30 people, including community residents and travellers, were kidnapped during the coordinated attacks.
As security operatives tracked the fleeing suspects into nearby forests, they discovered that the gang had rustled about 200 cattle during their retreat. Sustained operations and intelligence-led pursuits forced the criminals to abandon 100 of the stolen cattle.
The operation also led to the arrest of Ibrahim, described by police as a key member of Batijo’s criminal network. Investigators said information obtained from the suspect has helped identify other gang members, including Aliyu, Lamido, Muhadahire and Kache, who are currently being sought by security agencies.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Naziru Kankarofi, accompanied by the Director of the DSS in Kogi State and other senior security officials, visited Ayegunle Community to assess the situation and reassure residents.
During the visit, Kankarofi met with Oba Omodamori and community leaders, expressing condolences over the loss of lives and assuring them that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
He commended the collaboration among security agencies and local stakeholders, noting that the swift response disrupted the criminals’ operations, facilitated the recovery of rustled cattle and yielded valuable intelligence.
The police commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to strengthening security across the state through intelligence-driven policing, inter-agency cooperation and proactive crime-fighting measures, while urging residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies.
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