The Kogi State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough following the arrest of a key suspect linked to the recent bandits’ attack on Ayegunle Community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area and along the Kabba–Obajana Road.
The Command’s spokesperson, ASP Oyiza Afusat, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, noting that the arrest was made in the early hours of June 1, 2026.
According to her, the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, immediately deployed tactical and operational teams after a distress call was received at about 2:49 a.m. reporting sporadic gunfire in Ayegunle Community.
She said joint security personnel comprising operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Kogi State Vigilante Service, Forest Guards, Civilian Joint Task Force, and other security stakeholders were mobilised to the affected areas.
Preliminary investigations, according to the police, revealed that the attack was masterminded by a notorious bandit leader identified as Batijo, who allegedly ordered the invasion in retaliation for the arrest of some of his associates.
Afusat explained that the traditional ruler of Ayegunle Community, Oba Sunday Omodamori, was the primary target of the attackers, who reportedly planned to abduct him. However, the monarch escaped the attack as he was not at home during the invasion.
The hoodlums reportedly ransacked parts of the community and abducted three residents identified as Ojo Abiodun, Bunmi Sunday, and Chief James Obayomi. Chief Obayomi was later killed while attempting to escape from captivity, while the remaining victims are still being held.
The attackers also blocked the Kabba–Obajana Road and opened fire on moving vehicles in an attempt to stop motorists. During the incident, a container truck driver was shot in both legs, while passengers travelling in two commercial 18-seater buses with registration numbers ENU 444 ZJ and MKD 698 XH were abducted.
Another commercial bus with registration number MKA 837 ZA was also attacked after the driver reportedly refused to stop. A passenger, Abdullahi Hashimu, died on the spot from gunshot wounds, while four others sustained injuries and were taken to medical facilities in Kabba for treatment.
Police said about 30 persons were abducted during the attack, including residents and passengers travelling on the affected buses.
Security operatives, while trailing the fleeing criminals into the forest, reportedly discovered a Fulani settlement where the suspects had taken about 200 rustled cattle.
Afusat stated that sustained bush-combing operations and intelligence-led pursuits forced the hoodlums to abandon about 100 of the stolen cattle.
The operation also led to the arrest of one Ibrahim, described as a core member of Batijo’s criminal network.
“The suspect is currently assisting investigators and has provided useful information regarding the activities and whereabouts of the gang,” the statement said.
The police added that information obtained from the suspect has led to the identification of other gang members, including Aliyu, Lamido, Muhadahire, and Kache, while efforts are ongoing to arrest them and dismantle the syndicate.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, alongside the Director of the DSS in Kogi State and other senior security officers, visited Ayegunle Community to assess the situation and reassure residents.
During the visit, Kankarofi met with the traditional ruler, community leaders, and stakeholders, expressing sympathy over the attack and assuring residents that security agencies were working to rescue all abducted victims and apprehend those responsible.
He commended the collaboration among security agencies and local security groups, noting that the swift response helped disrupt the criminals’ operations, recover rustled cattle, and generate useful intelligence.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strengthening security across the state through intelligence-led policing, inter-agency cooperation, and proactive crime-fighting strategies.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.
