By Stephen Adeleye
The Kogi State government has announced the interception of a large cache of arms and ammunition, and thwarted planned retaliatory attack by criminal elements seeking to regroup after recent security setbacks in the state.
A statement yesterday in Lokoja by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, said the operation was executed through a joint effort by local security operatives under Kogi’s security architecture, Hybrid Forces, under the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, acting on credible intelligence.
He said preliminary findings revealed that the weapons were being moved in a Golf 2 vehicle to supply criminal gangs operating within and around Kogi State.
“Acting on the intelligence, security agencies tracked the suspects across state lines and, in collaboration with the Sokoto State Government and its security agencies.”
Fanwo said the suspects were placed under covert surveillance for over two weeks, adding that the operation culminated in the arrest of three suspects in Sokoto State.
He said: “Following further investigation, security operatives intercepted the arms consignment and impounded the vehicle in Kabba, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area.
“Recovered items 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 be for criminal use.
“Intelligence gathered suggests the weapons were meant to replenish the depleted stock of bandits after suffering major losses, particularly following the neutralisation of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Battijo on June 10, 2026.
“Battijo was killed after a failed attempt to kidnap students of Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu.”
The commissioner said anticipating retaliatory moves, the Governor Ahmed Ododo’s administration intensified intelligence gathering, widened surveillance in strategic locations, and deepened inter-agency collaboration nationwide.
He said the remnants of criminal gangs trapped in forests across the state are now experiencing acute shortages of arms due to sustained security pressure.
The interception, he noted, validated the proactive and intelligence-driven security approach of Ododo’s administration.
He commended local security forces, the DSS, Hybrid Forces under the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, and officers of the 12 Brigade for their professionalism and coordination.
He also appreciated the Sokoto State government and President Bola Tinubu for strengthening sub-national security capacities.
Fanwo warned that Kogi State “is not and will never be a safe haven for terrorism, banditry, kidnapping or any form of criminality”.
He assured residents that investigations are ongoing and surveillance has been intensified.
The Commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies.
“The Ododo administration reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the gains against insecurity through intelligence gathering, technology, community engagement, and inter-agency collaboration.” (NAN)
