Unidentified gunmen on Friday night launched an attack on the Kogi State headquarters of the Department of State Security (DSS), in Lokoja.
The gunmen were said to have arrived the DSS office at about 10:30 pm, barricaded adjoining roads and shot at motorists from all directions.
Commissioner of Police in the State, Emmanuel Ojukwu, said a policeman was killed as a team of security forces from the police, army and the SSS engaged the gunmen.
He however could not confirm the identity of the attackers.
“I cannot confirm whether they are Boko Haram members or not. All I know is that they are criminal elements and the law will take its course,” Ojukwu said.
“We are investigating to know the circumstances that led to that attack, their motive and others,” he continued.
If the attackers are confirmed to be Boko Haram members, it would be the first time since 2014 that the militants would launch an assault in the north central state of Kogi.
In November, Boko Haram terrorists raided a prison there and freed 147 inmates.
The attack came two years after the insurgents attacked a Deeper Life church in the state and killed 19 worshippers.
Ojuwku, however, assured the public that the police were always on alert and would always work in collaboration with other security agencies to tackle security challenges in the state.
“Our mandate is to keep the environment and Kogi free and safe for Nigerians to go about their lawful businesses,” he said.
He urged the public to partner with the police in the fight against crime, saying “we should have an understanding that there is no way you can solve crime without community involvement”.
“Criminals live in our midst. Don’t hide them, criminals don’t respect persons. If you are not a victim today you may be a victim tomorrow if you don’t report criminal elements in your midst,” the police boss said.
