The Kogi State Government has announced the interception of a cache of arms and ammunition allegedly destined for criminal elements operating within and around the state, thwarting what authorities described as a planned retaliatory attack by bandits and other criminal networks.
The breakthrough followed a coordinated security operation 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.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the operation was carried out based on credible intelligence regarding the movement of weapons intended for criminal groups seeking to undermine peace and security in Kogi State.
According to him, intelligence reports had identified a Golf 2 vehicle being used to transport arms and ammunition to criminal elements operating within and around the state.
Acting swiftly on the information, security agencies coordinated efforts across state boundaries and worked closely with the Sokoto State Government and security agencies in the state to monitor the movement of the suspects.
Fanwo disclosed that the suspects and their vehicle were placed under covert surveillance for more than two weeks before the operation culminated in the arrest of three suspects in Sokoto State.
He said preliminary investigations had already yielded useful intelligence, while efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest other members of the suspected arms trafficking syndicate.
The commissioner explained that intelligence gathered from the operation led to the interception of the weapons consignment and the subsequent impoundment of the Golf 2 vehicle in Kabba, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Items recovered from the operation include 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 during their operations.
According to the state government, intelligence reports indicate that the intercepted weapons were part of efforts by criminal groups to replenish their depleted stock of arms following recent security operations that have significantly weakened their activities.
The government linked the development to the recent neutralisation of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Battijo on June 10, 2026, after his failed attempt to kidnap students of Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu.
Fanwo noted that security agencies had anticipated possible retaliatory attacks by fleeing criminal elements and consequently intensified intelligence gathering, surveillance operations and inter-agency collaboration across strategic locations.
He said available intelligence suggests that remnants of criminal groups hiding in forest locations across parts of the state are facing severe shortages of arms and ammunition following sustained security pressure.
According to him, the criminals had been making desperate efforts to acquire new weapons and regroup, but the state’s proactive security strategy ensured that the arms consignment was intercepted before reaching its intended destination.
“The successful interception of the arms consignment is a clear demonstration that the Government remains several steps ahead of those seeking to threaten the peace of the State,” Fanwo stated.
The commissioner commended local security forces, the Hybrid Forces under ONSA, the DSS and officers and men of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army for their professionalism, vigilance and seamless coordination throughout the operation.
He also expressed appreciation to the Sokoto State Government, security agencies in Sokoto State and other stakeholders whose cooperation and prompt response contributed to the success of the operation.
The Kogi State Government further commended the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for his strategic leadership and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
It also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting security institutions and sub-national governments in the fight against insecurity, noting that the administration’s support had contributed significantly to the security gains being recorded in Kogi State.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property, the government assured residents that there was no cause for alarm, stressing that security agencies had intensified operations and surveillance across strategic locations in the state.
It urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, emphasizing that collective efforts would help sustain peace, security and development across Kogi State.
