BREAKING: Police Intelligence Confirms Influx of Armed Bandits Into Kogi East, Identifies Schools, University and Public Institutions as Potential Targets

Security agencies across Kogi State have been placed on heightened alert following intelligence reports indicating the mass movement of armed bandits into communities within the Kogi East Senatorial District. The warning was issued through an internal police wireless communication obtained by SaharaReporters on Saturday.

According to the intelligence shared by the State Intelligence Department in Lokoja, a significant number of bandits, reportedly fleeing intensified military operations in neighbouring Kwara and Niger States, have relocated into forested zones around Bassa and the Anyigba and Ochaja axis. The security advisory noted that some members of the group were seen wearing military-style uniforms and carrying sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 rifles.

The classified memo revealed that the bandits may be regrouping and planning coordinated attacks on strategic public and educational institutions. Intelligence sources highlighted a list of potential high-risk targets, including Ochaja Boys and Girls Secondary Schools, Prince Abubakar Audu University in Anyigba, banks across Kogi East, police stations and worship centres. The report stressed that these facilities may face elevated threats if urgent preventive measures are not immediately implemented.

The police communication provided detailed recommendations aimed at blocking any possible attack. These include the immediate briefing of Divisional Police Officers in Anyigba, Bassa, Dekina and Egume, and the deployment of additional Quick Response Unit and Police Mobile Force personnel to vulnerable communities. Officers were instructed to fortify their stations, intensify patrols, and increase stop and search operations along major routes. Intelligence gathering and surveillance activities are also to be expanded to monitor suspicious movement within the affected areas.

The memo emphasised that the situation requires rapid and coordinated security reinforcement to prevent the bandits from establishing operational bases or launching attacks on public institutions.

This development comes amid growing national concerns about rising insecurity. On Friday night, the Director General of the Department of State Services, Mr. Tosin Adeola Ajayi, met with President Bola Tinubu in a closed-door briefing at the Presidential Villa. According to Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the meeting focused on a comprehensive assessment of the current security challenges facing the country and ongoing efforts to confront emerging threats.

In addition, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated during a television appearance that the government is fully aware of the rising number of violent incidents and is taking what he described as significant steps to restore stability. He noted that the federal government is not denying the seriousness of the situation and is intensifying collaborations with security agencies to contain threats across Nigeria.

The situation in Kogi East is now being closely monitored as security operatives move to enforce counter-measures and protect vulnerable communities from potential attacks.