An urgent security notice and a request for increased vigilance among locals have been issued in response to the Nigeria Police’s discovery of reliable intelligence suggesting an impending terrorist assault targeting churches in Kogi State’s Yagba East Local Government Area.
According to PM News, the local branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) received a private note written by Isanlu’s Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Kanwai James, on May 20, 2025. In response to the danger, the letter advised church leaders to temporarily halt night services and be on high alert.
The document claims that criminal organisations active in Yagba East and West LGAs have completed preparations to attack churches with deadly weapons “any moment from now.”
“In view of that, you are hereby informed to intensify efforts in disseminating the information to all churches in Yagba East to be vigilant and security conscious in order to avert their nefarious activities,” the police wrote.
Churches were asked in the statement to implement internal security measures and send out Boys Brigade and other security personnel during services. Additionally, it suggested that all-night programming be put on hold for the time being.
READ ALSO: No Visa, No Entry! FG to Crack Down on Airlines Flying in ‘Illegal’ Passengers
According to the memo, the traditional council and other stakeholders are working with law enforcement agencies, such as the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), vigilantes, and local hunters, to increase security patrols, particularly during worship hours.
CSP Kanwai’s phone remained off, thus, further attempts to contact him for more remarks were futile.
This warning comes after a string of security lapses in Kogi West’s Okun neighbourhood, where abductions have increased. A 76-year-old retired army major and a 90-year-old first-class traditional ruler are among the victims, who are allegedly still in the hands of abductors.
