By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The Kogi State Government has announced the interception of a large cache of arms and ammunition allegedly destined for criminal elements seeking to destabilise the state, following a coordinated intelligence-led operation involving multiple security agencies.
The government disclosed that the operation was carried out through a collaborative 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.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, security operatives acted on credible intelligence indicating that a Golf 2 vehicle was being used to transport weapons intended for criminal groups operating within and around Kogi State.
The statement revealed that security agencies launched a coordinated surveillance operation across state boundaries, working closely with the Sokoto State Government and security agencies in the state to monitor the movement of the suspects.
The operation culminated in the arrest of three suspects in Sokoto State after more than two weeks of covert surveillance. Authorities said preliminary investigations had already yielded valuable intelligence, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the arms trafficking syndicate.
Acting on intelligence gathered during the operation, security operatives intercepted the arms consignment 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 criminal operations.
The state government said intelligence reports indicated that the intercepted weapons were meant to replenish the depleted arsenal of criminal elements who had suffered significant losses in recent security operations. The report particularly linked the development to the recent neutralisation of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Battijo on June 10, 2026, following his failed attempt to kidnap students of Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu.
According to the government, anticipating possible retaliatory attacks and attempts by fleeing criminals to regroup, security agencies intensified intelligence gathering, expanded surveillance operations, and strengthened inter-agency collaboration across the country.
Officials noted that remnant criminal groups hiding in forest locations across parts of the state had experienced severe setbacks and were facing acute shortages of arms and ammunition due to sustained military and security operations.
The government maintained that the successful interception demonstrated the effectiveness of proactive and intelligence-driven security strategies adopted by the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Fanwo commended local security forces, the Hybrid Forces under ONSA, the DSS, and the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade for their professionalism and seamless coordination, noting that the DSS played a significant role in intelligence gathering and operational support.
The state government also expressed appreciation to the Sokoto State Government, security agencies in Sokoto, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their support in strengthening security efforts across the country.
It stressed that the operation sends a strong warning to criminal networks that Kogi State will not serve as a safe haven for banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, or any other form of criminal activity.
While investigations continue, the government assured residents that there was no cause for alarm, adding that security agencies had intensified surveillance and operations across strategic locations to guarantee public safety.
The government further reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the fight against insecurity through intelligence gathering, technological support, community engagement, and inter-agency collaboration, while urging residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies.
