Cache Of Arms Intercepted In Kogi

Kogi State government has intercepted a cache of arms and ammunition allegedly meant for criminal elements seeking to destabilise the state, in what authorities described as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat insecurity.

According to the government, the operation was carried out through coordinated efforts involving local security operatives under the state’s security architecture, the Hybrid Forces operating under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, following credible intelligence.

The commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, disclosed in a statement that reports had identified a Volkswagen Golf 2 vehicle being used to transport the weapons to criminal elements within and around Kogi State.

He explained that security agencies, working closely with the Sokoto State government and security operatives in the state, tracked the movement of the suspects across state boundaries while maintaining covert surveillance for more than two weeks.

The operation eventually led to the arrest of three suspects in Sokoto State, while further investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the arms trafficking syndicate.

Fanwo revealed that intelligence gathered from the operation enabled security operatives to intercept the weapons consignment and impound the Golf 2 vehicle in Kabba, headquarters of Kabba-Bunu local government area of Kogi State.

Items recovered during the operation included two AK-47 rifles, several AK-47 magazines, sixty-seven rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two pistols, twelve rounds of pistol ammunition and military uniforms suspected to have been intended for use by criminal groups.

According to the statement, intelligence reports indicated that the weapons were meant to replenish the stockpile of criminal elements that had suffered heavy losses following recent security operations, particularly the neutralisation of notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Battijo, on June 10, 2026, after an attempted kidnap of students of Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu.

The government said it had anticipated possible retaliatory attacks and efforts by fleeing criminals to regroup and rearm, prompting intensified intelligence gathering, expanded surveillance and enhanced collaboration with security agencies across the country.

It noted that the successful interception demonstrated that the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo remained proactive and several steps ahead of criminal networks seeking to threaten peace and security in the state.

The government commended local security forces, the Hybrid Forces under ONSA, the Department of State Services (DSS), and officers and men of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army for their professionalism and effective coordination.

It also expressed appreciation to the Sokoto State Government and security agencies in the state for their support, while commending the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and heads of security agencies for strengthening intelligence-driven operations across the country.

The administration further praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for enhancing the capacity of sub-national governments and security institutions to protect lives and property.

Fanwo assured residents that there was no cause for alarm, noting that security agencies had intensified surveillance and operations across strategic locations to sustain the gains recorded in the fight against insecurity.

He urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that the government remained committed to preserving peace, security and prosperity in Kogi State.