The Kogi State Government has announced the interception of a large cache of arms and ammunition allegedly destined for criminal elements operating within and around the state, in what authorities described as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat insecurity.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the operation was carried out through a coordinated effort involving local security operatives in Kogi State, Hybrid Forces under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army.
The government disclosed that the operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of weapons intended for criminal groups seeking to destabilize the state. Security agencies reportedly tracked a Golf 2 vehicle suspected to be transporting the arms and maintained covert surveillance on the suspects for more than two weeks.
The surveillance operation eventually led to the arrest of three suspects in Sokoto State, following close collaboration between security agencies and the Sokoto State Government. Authorities said intelligence gathered from the suspects provided crucial leads that enabled operatives to intercept the weapons consignment before it reached its intended destination.
Recovered items included two AK-47 rifles, several AK-47 magazines, 67 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two pistols, 12 rounds of pistol ammunition, and military uniforms allegedly intended for criminal operations. The vehicle used in transporting the weapons was later impounded in Kabba, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The government linked the attempted arms shipment to efforts by criminal groups to replenish their arsenal after suffering significant setbacks from recent security operations, including the neutralisation of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Battijo on June 10 following a failed attempt to kidnap students of Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu.
Fanwo stated that intelligence reports indicated that criminal elements hiding in forest locations across parts of the state had been weakened by sustained military pressure and were experiencing severe shortages of arms and ammunition.
He noted that anticipating possible retaliatory attacks and efforts by fleeing criminals to regroup, the state government intensified intelligence gathering, expanded surveillance operations, and strengthened cooperation with security agencies nationwide.
The commissioner described the successful interception as evidence of the effectiveness of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s intelligence-driven security strategy and praised the professionalism and coordination of all agencies involved in the operation.
The Kogi State Government also commended National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, security chiefs, and the Sokoto State Government for their support in strengthening the country’s security architecture.
Reassuring residents, the government said there was no cause for alarm, noting that security agencies had intensified surveillance and operations across strategic locations to prevent any threat to public safety.
It further urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies, stressing that collective efforts remain essential in preserving peace and security across Kogi State.
“The interception of this cache of arms sends a strong message that Kogi State will never be a safe haven for terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, or any form of criminality,” the statement said. “Every effort by criminals to evade justice will be met with greater determination by security forces.”
