Bandit Attack: Kogi Police Arrest Key Suspect, Recover 100 Rustled Cattle as Manhunt Intensifies

The Kogi State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on criminal elements, with the arrest of a key suspect linked to the deadly bandit attack on Ayegunle Community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area and along the Kabba–Obajana Road.

The Command’s spokesperson, ASP Oyiza Afusat, disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that the suspect was apprehended in the early hours of June 1, 2026, following a coordinated security operation launched in response to the attack.

According to Afusat, the operation was initiated after a distress call was received at about 2:49 a.m. reporting heavy gunfire in Ayegunle Community.

She explained that the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, immediately deployed tactical teams and operational assets to the area, mobilizing a joint security force comprising personnel from 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.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the attack was allegedly orchestrated by a notorious bandit kingpin identified as Batijo, who reportedly ordered the invasion as retaliation for the arrest of some of his associates.

The attackers allegedly targeted the traditional ruler of Ayegunle Community, Oba Sunday Omodamori, with plans to abduct him. However, the attempt failed as the monarch was not at home when the gunmen stormed the community.

The criminals reportedly ransacked parts of the community and 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 assailants later moved to the Kabba–Obajana Road, where they blocked the highway and opened fire on motorists. During the attack, a container truck driver was shot in both legs after being forced to stop.

The gunmen also intercepted two commercial buses with registration numbers ENU 444 ZJ and MKD 698 XH, abducting several passengers. In a separate incident, they opened fire on another commercial bus, MKA 837 ZA, after the driver reportedly refused to stop.

One passenger, Abdullahi Hashimu, was killed instantly in the attack, while four others sustained injuries and were rushed to medical facilities in Kabba for treatment.

Police said approximately 30 people, including residents and travellers, were abducted during the coordinated attacks.

Afusat noted that security operatives immediately launched search-and-rescue operations, tracking the suspects deep into the forest. The pursuit led operatives to a Fulani settlement, where they discovered that the fleeing criminals had rustled about 200 cattle.

Sustained pressure from security forces forced the bandits to abandon around 100 of the stolen cattle as they retreated further into the forest.

The operation eventually resulted in the arrest of one Ibrahim, described as a core member of Batijo’s criminal network.

“The suspect is currently assisting investigators and has provided valuable intelligence regarding the activities and locations of other gang members,” Afusat said.

She added that information obtained from the suspect led to the identification of additional members of the syndicate, including Aliyu, Lamido, Muhadahire, and Kache, with efforts underway to apprehend them.

Meanwhile, CP 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, the police chief met with Oba Omodamori, community leaders, and stakeholders, expressing sympathy to victims and pledging that security agencies would continue efforts to rescue those abducted and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Kankarofi commended the collaboration among security agencies and local security groups, noting that the swift response disrupted the attackers’ operations, led to the recovery of rustled cattle, and generated crucial intelligence for ongoing investigations.

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strengthening security across Kogi State through intelligence-driven policing, inter-agency cooperation, and proactive crime-fighting measures.

The Commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.