By Hosanna Eseose
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.
The operation, carried out through a coordinated effort involving local security operatives under the Kogi State 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, led to the arrest of three suspects in Sokoto State and the recovery of weapons believed to have been intended for criminal activities in Kogi.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the operation was launched following credible intelligence on the movement of arms and ammunition intended for delivery to criminal groups.
The intelligence reportedly identified a Golf 2 vehicle being used to transport the weapons. Security operatives subsequently tracked the suspects across state boundaries and maintained covert surveillance on them for more than two weeks before effecting their arrest in Sokoto State.
The statement said information obtained during preliminary investigations enabled security agencies to intercept the weapons consignment before it reached its intended destination.
The Golf 2 vehicle used in transporting the arms was later impounded in Kabba, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
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 suspected to have been intended for use by criminal elements.
The state government disclosed that intelligence reports linked the intercepted arms to efforts by criminal groups to replenish their depleted stockpile following recent security operations that weakened their activities.
Authorities specifically cited the neutralisation of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Battijo on June 10, 2026, after an alleged failed attempt to kidnap students of Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, as one of the major setbacks suffered by criminal networks in the area.
The government noted that anticipating possible retaliatory attacks and attempts by fleeing criminals to regroup, it had intensified intelligence gathering, expanded surveillance operations and strengthened collaboration with security agencies nationwide.
According to the statement, intelligence available to the government indicates that criminal elements hiding in forest locations across parts of the state have suffered significant operational losses and are experiencing shortages of arms and ammunition due to sustained security pressure.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration was credited with implementing proactive and intelligence-driven security measures that enabled authorities to detect and neutralise the alleged arms supply network before it could support criminal operations.
The state government commended the local security forces, Hybrid Forces under ONSA, DSS, Nigerian Army, and security agencies in Sokoto State for their professionalism and cooperation during the operation.
It also expressed appreciation to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their 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 and operations across strategic locations to ensure the safety of lives and property.
The government further urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to sustain the fight against crime and insecurity in the state.