Massive Arms Cache Uncovered In Kogi As Ododo Vows Total War On Criminals

The governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has announced the recovery of a massive cache of arms and ammunition from criminal hideouts following a decisive joint security operation carried out in the state.

The governor disclosed this yesterday, while displaying the arms to newsmen in Lokoja, noting that the operation was the outcome of over a week of sustained, intelligence-driven surveillance by security agencies working in firm coordination with the state government.

Governor Ododo explained that the renewed and aggressive crackdown on criminal elements was further galvanized after his recent meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who charged him to intensify security efforts rather than seek accolades.

“When I met Mr. President, I expected commendation, but he told me to go back and do more for my people. That statement re-energised me,” the governor said.

“We immediately regrouped, met with the security agencies, harmonised our strategies, and acted decisively on credible intelligence.”

According to him, security operatives executed a coordinated overnight operation that uncovered a major criminal enclave where a significant stockpile of weapons was concealed. Although no arrests were made during the raid, Governor Ododo described the recovery of the arms as a major and strategic breakthrough in the fight against crime.

He attributed the persistence of criminal activities to Kogi State’s strategic location, stressing that the state shares boundaries with 10 states and serves as a critical corridor with multiple entry and exit routes.

“Kogi State is fully alert. The DSS, the police, the military, the navy, and all other security agencies are working relentlessly, day and night,” he declared. “We will never bow to criminals, and we will never negotiate with them.”

The governor called on residents to actively support security agencies by providing timely, accurate, and credible information, assuring the public of the government’s unflinching commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

During the briefing, Governor Ododo listed items recovered in the operation to include 24 AK-47 rifles, 23 pump-action rifles, one Tavor rifle, one FN rifle, four Barrett pistols, four Browning rifles, 42 magazines, 520 rounds of GPMG 7.62 ammunition, as well as large quantities of AK-47 ammunition and cartridges for pump-action and Barrett pistols.

Other items recovered include handcuffs, 13 holsters, tear gas cartridges, and submachine gun (SMG) components.

Governor Ododo reaffirmed that the success recorded was the direct result of a tightly coordinated joint operation by multiple security agencies acting on credible and actionable intelligence.

He expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support and motivation, as well as to the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, and the leadership of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for their steadfast cooperation.

The governor urged citizens not to panic, assuring them that the situation is under control advising residents to go about their lawful businesses without fear.

Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government has confirmed an attack by suspected bandits on Ayetoro Kiri community in Kabba/Bunu local government area of the state, disclosing that four of the assailants were neutralised by local hunters during a fierce gun battle.

Speaking on News Central Television on Monday evening, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, stated that the attack took place in Ayetoro Kiri, a rural farming community.

The commissioner also disclosed that 13 persons were kidnapped during the unfortunate incident in the community, while four of the assailants were also neutralised.

Fanwo explained that the sustained onslaught by bandits in neighbouring Niger and Kwara states has pushed criminal elements towards Kogi State, noting that the state government had already marshalled a coordinated security architecture to counter such threats, although the affected area still requires additional reinforcement.

According to him, local hunters in the community courageously resisted the attack, engaging the bandits in a fierce exchange of gunfire that led to the neutralisation of four bandits, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.

” 13 persons were kidnapped during the incident, but the hunters and other security operatives are currently on the trail of the fleeing bandits within the forest. The ongoing efforts are aimed at rescuing the abducted victims.

“We are quite hopeful that the kidnapped persons will be rescued,” Fanwo said.

The commissioner confirmed that troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army and personnel of the Kogi State Police Command have since been deployed to the community, adding that the state would mount a strong joint security force in the area to safeguard lives and property.

He further revealed that the Department of State Services (DSS) is actively supporting the operation through intelligence gathering and processing.

Fanwo also appealed for air support from the Nigerian Air Force to complement ongoing ground operations and strengthen the security response.

“The Governor of the State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo is engaging the service chiefs intending to ensure an air raid of the forest by the Air Force to support the ground duel of the Army, Police and local hunters”, he said.

Commending the bravery and patriotism of the local hunters for rising to the occasion, the commissioner reassured residents that the government remains firmly in control of the situation.

He stressed that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo remains resolutely committed to protecting lives and property across Kogi State, assuring Kogites that the government is steadily winning the battle against criminal elements.

“Our security network has restricted their movement. What they are doing now is attacking soft targets, such as churches. We have implemented measures to enhance security throughout the state. We are grateful for the cooperation of security agencies and our local hunters. We are winning the battle already”, he assured.