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 officials described as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat insecurity.
According to the government, the operation was carried out through a coordinated effort involving local security operatives under the Kogi State security architecture, Hybrid Forces operating under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government said security agencies acted on credible intelligence regarding the movement of weapons intended for criminal groups seeking to destabilize the state.
The intelligence reportedly identified a Golf 2 vehicle being used to transport the arms. Security agencies subsequently tracked the movement of the suspects across state boundaries and, working closely with the Sokoto State Government and security agencies in the state, placed the suspects under covert surveillance for more than two weeks.
The operation eventually led to the arrest of three suspects in Sokoto State. Authorities said preliminary investigations have already yielded valuable intelligence, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the arms trafficking network.
Building on information obtained from the suspects, security operatives intercepted the cache of weapons and impounded the Golf 2 vehicle in Kabba, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Items recovered during the operation 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 suspected to have been intended for use by criminal elements.
The government disclosed that intelligence reports linked the intercepted weapons to efforts by criminal groups to replenish their depleted stock of arms following recent security operations that dealt significant blows to their activities.
Officials specifically referenced the June 10 neutralisation of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Battijo after a failed attempt to kidnap students of Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, describing it as a major setback for criminal networks operating in the area.
According to the statement, security agencies anticipated possible retaliatory attacks by fleeing criminals and consequently intensified intelligence gathering, surveillance operations and inter-agency collaboration across strategic locations to prevent any attempts to regroup and rearm.
The government noted that available intelligence suggests that criminal elements hiding in forest locations across parts of the state have suffered substantial operational setbacks and are facing shortages of arms and ammunition due to sustained security pressure.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration was credited with expanding intelligence networks, strengthening surveillance and deepening collaboration with security agencies nationwide, measures the government said contributed to the successful interception of the arms consignment.
The state government commended local security forces, the Hybrid Forces under ONSA, the DSS and the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade for their professionalism and coordination throughout the operation. It also praised the Sokoto State Government and security agencies in Sokoto for their cooperation and support.
The government further acknowledged the contributions of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that ongoing support from the Federal Government has strengthened the capacity of security institutions and contributed to recent gains against insecurity.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property, the Kogi State Government assured residents that there is no cause for alarm, noting that security agencies have intensified surveillance and operations across the state.
The government urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies, stressing that collective efforts remain essential in sustaining peace, security and development in Kogi State.
