Kogi State Government have warned churches against violating security directives, including restrictions on late-night services, following intelligence reports of a planned attack by armed groups.

In a statement, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said intelligence indicated that criminal elements were targeting a church in the Ijumu Local Government Area.

He said the church had continued holding activities late into the evening, increasing its vulnerability.

The government has banned religious gatherings beyond 16:00 local time and warned that churches located in isolated or forested areas must relocate to safer locations or face sanctions.

Mr Fanwo said the measures were not directed at any particular religious group but were intended to protect lives.

He also instructed security agencies to enforce the directive and prevent night services, adding that the government’s priority was to prevent attacks rather than respond after incidents occurred.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army said its troops had overrun a suspected militant camp in the state, in what officials described as a major security operation.

Soldiers from the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army reportedly dismantled the enclave and recovered weapons and ammunition.

The camp was said to be linked to suspected militant leaders, including individuals identified by authorities as Kachalla Ibrahim and Shu’aibu, who are believed to have been involved in attacks and other criminal activities in the region.

Kogi State Security Adviser, Jerry Omodara, praised the military’s actions, describing the operation as timely and effective.

He said the development demonstrated the authorities’ determination to deny armed groups a safe haven in the state.

Officials have urged residents and religious leaders to comply with security directives and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.