Stories from AMEDU JOSEPH, Lokoja
The Kogi State Police Command has dismissed circulating reports about a possible bandit attack in Kogi East Senatorial District.
The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, said in a statement that the rumour circulating on social media was unverifiable and contained no element of truth.
He urged the public to disregard the claims, assuring that security measures were in place to prevent any bandit activity in the state.
The statement, signed by William Ovye Aya, Police Public Relations Officer, reads: “The command wishes to inform the general public that such reports are unverifiable and do not constitute any element of truth.”
It further reassured the public: “We are taking this matter very seriously and have put measures in place to ensure the safety of lives and property in the state.”
The statement added: “The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, psc, mni, has ordered deployment of tactical teams, including the Police Mobile Force, counter-terrorism units, Quick Response teams, and intelligence units, to strategic locations across the state.”
It also noted that additional security assets had been deployed to respond to unforeseen situations in critical areas.
The public was urged to remain calm and verify information through official channels before sharing, to avoid unnecessary panic.
The statement concluded by appealing: “Everyone should cooperate with the police and other security agencies to keep the state safe. If you notice anything suspicious, please report without hesitation. Security is a shared responsibility.”
Troops intercept major drug courier in Kogi
Troops of 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have intercepted a major courier transporting a significant consignment of Cannabis Sativa from Ekiti State to Obajana in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.
In a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, and made available to journalists in Lokoja on Tuesday, the feat was described as part of ongoing efforts to deny criminal elements freedom of action and disrupt the flow of illicit substances that have frequently contributed to banditry and other violent crimes across Kogi State.
The statement disclosed that, “The operation occurred on 24th November 2025, when troops deployed at Agbede Response Area conducted a routine stop‑and‑search on a Toyota Camry with registration number DKA 158AU. The vehicle, driven by one Mr Johnson Ayo, was also found with a branded police hat and belt displayed on the dashboard, raising further suspicion.”
“A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 10 sacks of Cannabis Sativa weighing 108.8 kilograms, concealed in the car,” it added.
Preliminary findings indicated that large-scale drug movement of this nature not only financed criminal networks but also fueled the chain of activities that often escalate into banditry within the state and surrounding regions.
“The suspect and the recovered exhibits have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kogi State Command, for further investigation and necessary action,” the statement revealed.
Assuring the public, the statement said, “The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in supporting national efforts to eradicate drug trafficking, curb the enabling factors of banditry, enhance public safety, and maintain a secure environment for all citizens.”