The Kogi State Police Command says scores of bandits have been neutralised and their criminal networks dismantled during a fresh joint security operation involving the police and the military, with aerial support from the Nigeria Police Force Air Wing.
In a statement on Sunday, the command’s spokesperson, William Aya, said the operation was ongoing but declined to disclose the exact locations for security reasons. He described the exercise as a coordinated onslaught against bandit groups operating in the state.
Aya said the operation, supported by precision air strikes, successfully flushed bandits out of their hideouts, dislodged their networks, and led to the killing of many of them. He added that the exercise was being carried out with professionalism and commitment.
The police urged residents to remain vigilant and report anyone seen with gunshot wounds, suspicious injuries, or unusual behaviour to the nearest police station. Members of the public were also encouraged to provide credible intelligence to support the ongoing operations.
According to the command, security remains a collective responsibility, stressing that cooperation from residents is vital to restoring peace across the state. Control room numbers — 07038329084 and 08152195982 — were released for reporting suspicious movements.
The operation comes amid rising insecurity in Kogi State, where suspected bandits have intensified attacks in recent months, including assaults on churches, kidnappings, and sporadic gunfire in parts of Lokoja and Kabba.