The Kogi State Government has officially confirmed a violent incursion by suspected bandits into the Ayetoro Kiri community, located within the Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area. The attack, which occurred on Monday, December 15, 2025, was met with fierce resistance from local hunters, leading to a significant setback for the criminals.
Local Hunters' Bravery Thwarts Deadly Assault
In a statement delivered by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, it was revealed that the local hunters displayed exceptional courage by engaging the armed bandits in a prolonged gun battle. This confrontation resulted in the neutralisation of four attackers, with several others managing to escape into nearby forests while sustaining gunshot wounds.
Commissioner Fanwo linked the security breach to the sustained pressure on criminal elements in neighbouring Niger and Kwara states, which has inadvertently pushed some bandits towards Kogi. He emphasised that the state government had proactively established a coordinated security architecture to counter such threats, though he acknowledged that the affected rural area required additional reinforcement.
Mass Kidnapping Triggers Major Security Mobilisation
Despite the successful counter-attack, the bandits abducted 13 persons from the community during the chaos. Fanwo assured residents and the public that a major pursuit and rescue operation is actively underway. Hunters and security operatives are combing the forest in a determined effort to track down the fleeing criminals and secure the safe release of the kidnapped victims.
"We are quite hopeful that the kidnapped persons will be rescued," Fanwo stated, expressing confidence in the ongoing operation.
Joint Security Forces Launch Comprehensive Response
The state government has activated a robust, multi-agency security response. Troops from the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army and personnel from the Kogi State Police Command have been swiftly deployed to Ayetoro Kiri to fortify the community and support the rescue mission.
Furthermore, the Department of State Services (DSS) is providing critical intelligence support for the operation. In a significant escalation of the response, Commissioner Fanwo disclosed that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is personally engaging service chiefs to secure air support from the Nigerian Air Force. The requested air raid on the forest is intended to complement the ground operations of the Army, Police, and local hunters.
Fanwo commended the patriotism of the local hunters and reassured Kogi residents that the government is firmly in control. He reiterated Governor Ododo's unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
"Their movement has been restricted by our security network. Currently, they are targeting soft targets such as churches. We have implemented measures to tighten security across the state. We are grateful for the cooperation of security agencies and our local hunters. We are winning this battle already," the Commissioner assured.
