By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
THE Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Command, has foiled an attempted attack on its Operational Base at Obajana, by criminal elements suspected to be bandits and successfully arrested many of them.
A statement from the Command signed by CSP William Ovye Aya, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) said the bandits launched the attack in reprisal following the recent coordinated airstrikes on their hideouts.
It would be recalled that the Police, on Saturday, January 10, conducted a clearance and aggressive operation, supported by its Air Wing.
The statement said there were precision airstrikes across identified flashpoints, hideouts, and assembly points known to be frequented by the bandits and other criminal elements within Kogi State.
CSP Aya revealed that the significant success recorded in the operation is believed to have provoked sleeper cells of the hoodlums into a retaliatory mode as they attempted to launch an attack on assets and facilities at the Obajana Operational Base.
According to him, the attempt was however, swiftly repelled as Police operatives on duty conducted a coordinated counter-drill, effectively neutralising and degrading the assailants.
The PPRO said that several suspects were arrested, many of whom sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries during the exchange.
“Law enforcement actions are ongoing to track and apprehend other fleeing suspects, as well as to unravel the source and motive behind the attack on the Police Operational Base”, he said.
The PPRO added that the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Alonyenu F. Idu, in charge of the Special Operation in Kogi State, accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Kogi Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.
He said that during the visit, the AIG commended and motivated the officers and men at the Operational Base.
The AIG urged them to sustain the courage, vigilance, and professionalism they have displayed so far in the ongoing onslaught against banditry and other criminal activities in the State.
Aya reassured the people, particularly residents of Obajana and its environs, that sustained security operations currently ongoing would be sustained and intensified until all criminal syndicates are completely dismantled.
He implored members of the public to support the Police by providing timely and useful information and to promptly report suspicious movements, strange persons, or groups to the nearest law enforcement agency.
“Such cooperation remains vital to sustaining peace, safety, and harmony across the State”, he added. (Ends)