Kogi Intercepts Arms Cache, Foils Planned Retaliatory Attack by Cri »

The Kogi State Government has announced the interception of a large cache of arms and ammunition allegedly intended for criminal elements operating within and around the state, in what authorities described as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat insecurity.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, 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), and the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army.

Fanwo disclosed that security agencies acted on credible intelligence regarding the movement of weapons destined for criminal groups seeking to undermine peace and security in Kogi State. The intelligence reportedly identified a Golf 2 vehicle being used to transport the arms.

The commissioner explained that security operatives swiftly launched a cross-border operation, working closely with the Sokoto State Government and security agencies in the state to monitor and track the suspects’ movements.

The operation led to the arrest of three suspects in Sokoto State after more than two weeks of covert surveillance. Preliminary investigations, according to the government, have yielded useful intelligence, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the suspected arms trafficking syndicate.

Building on intelligence gathered during the operation, security operatives subsequently intercepted the cache of arms and ammunition intended for criminal elements in Kogi State. The Golf 2 vehicle used in transporting the weapons was later impounded in Kabba, headquarters of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area.

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 use by criminal groups.

The government revealed that intelligence reports linked the intercepted weapons to efforts by criminal elements to replenish their depleted stockpile of arms following recent security operations against them.

According to the statement, the development comes barely two weeks after the neutralisation of notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Battijo, who was killed on June 10, 2026, following a failed attempt to kidnap students of Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu.

The state government said it had anticipated possible retaliatory attacks by fleeing criminal groups and consequently intensified intelligence gathering, expanded surveillance operations, and strengthened collaboration with security agencies nationwide.

Authorities noted that available intelligence indicates that criminal elements hiding in forest locations across parts of the state have suffered significant operational setbacks and are experiencing shortages of weapons and ammunition due to sustained military and security operations.

Fanwo stated that the successful interception demonstrated that the government remained ahead of criminal networks and was committed to preventing any attempt to rearm or regroup.

He described the operation as a validation of the proactive security measures implemented by the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and praised the effectiveness of intelligence-driven security operations.

The commissioner commended local security forces, the Hybrid Forces under ONSA, the Department of State Services (DSS), and personnel of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army for their professionalism and coordination during the operation.

He also expressed appreciation to the Sokoto State Government and security agencies in the state for their cooperation and support, while acknowledging the contributions of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and heads of security agencies across the country.

Fanwo further praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for strengthening the capacity of security institutions and supporting sub-national governments in their efforts to protect lives and property.

He maintained that the interception of the arms consignment sends a strong warning to criminal groups that Kogi State will not serve as a safe haven for terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, or other criminal activities.

While investigations continue, the government assured residents that there is no cause for alarm, noting that security agencies have intensified surveillance and operations across strategic locations in the state.

The government also urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to help sustain the fight against insecurity and preserve peace across Kogi State.