Kogi State, Nigeria – July 7, 2025
Tragedy struck in Kogi State on Sunday as unidentified gunmen attacked a mining site in the Ajaokuta area, killing a Nigerian soldier and abducting a Chinese national.
The incident occurred in the early hours of the day when the assailants, reportedly heavily armed, stormed the mining facility and opened fire, leading to the fatal shooting of the soldier who was attached to the site for security. Eyewitnesses said the attackers overpowered the guards before whisking away the Chinese expatriate whose identity is yet to be officially disclosed.
Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Command said operatives have been deployed to track down the perpetrators and rescue the abducted foreign national. The spokesperson for the command, SP William Aya, described the attack as unfortunate and assured the public that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the criminals.
Security agencies, including the military and Department of State Services (DSS), have also launched a coordinated manhunt, combing forest areas around Ajaokuta and its environs.
This latest attack adds to growing concerns about the safety of foreign workers and the persistence of insecurity in parts of the country, particularly in states with active mining operations.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements, while calling for calm as investigations continue.
