The Kogi State Government has announced the interception of a large cache of arms and ammunition allegedly destined for criminal elements, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to strengthen security across the 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 criminal operations.
According to the government, the operation was carried out through a coordinated effort involving local security operatives under the state’s security architecture, the 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, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that a cache of weapons was being transported to criminal groups operating within and around Kogi State.
According to the statement, security operatives acted on credible intelligence regarding the movement of arms and ammunition intended for criminal elements seeking to undermine peace and security in Kogi State. The intelligence specifically identified a Golf 2 vehicle being used for the illicit movement of the weapons.
Fanwo explained that security agencies swiftly coordinated efforts across state boundaries and, in collaboration with the Sokoto State Government and security agencies in the state, tracked the movement of the suspects while maintaining close surveillance on their activities.
The operation culminated in the arrest of three suspects in Sokoto State after they had been placed under covert surveillance for more than two weeks. Preliminary investigations yielded valuable intelligence, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the arms trafficking syndicate.
The government said intelligence reports indicated that the weapons were intended to replenish the stockpile of criminal groups that had suffered significant losses in recent weeks, particularly following the neutralisation of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Battijo on June 10, 2026, after a failed attempt to kidnap students of Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu.
It added that, in anticipation of possible retaliatory attacks, security agencies intensified intelligence gathering, expanded surveillance operations and strengthened collaboration with counterparts across the country to prevent criminal groups from regrouping and rearming.
According to the government, the successful interception underscored the effectiveness of its intelligence-driven security strategy and the proactive measures introduced by the administration of Governor Ahmed Ododo.
The state government commended the local security operatives, the Hybrid Forces under ONSA, the DSS and the Nigerian Army for what it described as their professionalism and seamless coordination during the operation. It also expressed appreciation to the Sokoto State Government and other stakeholders whose support contributed to the success of the mission.
The government further acknowledged the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their continued support in strengthening the country’s security architecture.
While investigations continue, the government assured residents that there was no cause for alarm, stating that security agencies had intensified surveillance across strategic locations to ensure the safety of lives and property.
It urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies, reaffirming its commitment to combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality across the state.