Kogi Police arrest bandits during meeting

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the disruption of a strategic meeting held by a group of bandits in a forest in Kogi State.  

The development was disclosed in a statement released on Monday by the NPF Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

According to Adejobi, “On January 18, 2025, operatives of the Kogi State Police Command acted on intelligence that a group of armed bandits was holding a strategic meeting at a forest in Budon, Kogi State, to plan an attack.

“Security forces swiftly mobilized and stormed the location, engaging the criminals in a fierce gun battle. One bandit was neutralized, while four others were apprehended. The operatives also recovered an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 30 rounds of live ammunition, and two motorcycles from the scene.”

The Force spokesperson stated that in another development on the same day, the Dutsinma Divisional Police Headquarters, Katsina received a distress call that some suspected bandits, armed with dangerous weapons, were headed to attack Ruwan Doruwa Village, Dutsinma Local Government Area of the State.

He said police operatives in collaboration with other security agencies mobilised, intercepted the armed bandits, and engaged them in a fierce gun battle ultimately leading to the killing of seven of the bandits, with the rest of the gang fleeing and abandoning 109 livestock suspected to be rustled animals.

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He added, “The Nigeria Police Force has escalated its initiatives to combat human trafficking and the operation of illegal baby factories, successfully rescuing more than 207 abducted children from suspected traffickers nationwide.”

He said the police arrested a syndicate involved in child abduction and trafficking by the Ondo State Police Command, following intelligence regarding a missing child at Okuta Elerin-Nla, Akure.

“The operatives apprehended members of the syndicate, identified as Abosede Olanipekun ‘f’, Lukman Isiaka ‘m’, and Sabira Izuorah ‘f’, and rescued 14 children between the ages of one week and seven years old.”

“The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in the dedication to duty and commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of all citizens,” he added.

He assured the Police Force would continue to take a firm stance against criminal activities and ensure that offenders were brought to justice.