The Kogi State Government has announced the interception of a large cache of arms and ammunition allegedly destined for criminal networks operating within and around the state, describing the operation as a major security breakthrough driven by intelligence-led policing.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the successful operation resulted from close collaboration among local security operatives, the Hybrid Forces 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 the statement, security operatives acted on credible intelligence regarding the movement of arms and ammunition intended for criminal elements seeking to undermine peace and security in Kogi State. Intelligence identified a Volkswagen Golf 2 vehicle allegedly being used to transport the weapons.

Fanwo said security agencies swiftly coordinated efforts across state boundaries and, in collaboration with the Sokoto State Government and security agencies in the state, tracked the suspects while maintaining covert surveillance.

The operation culminated in the arrest of three suspects in Sokoto State after more than two weeks of surveillance. Preliminary investigations reportedly yielded useful intelligence, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the alleged arms trafficking syndicate.

Acting on intelligence gathered during the operation, security operatives intercepted the cache of arms and ammunition before it could reach Kogi State. The Golf 2 vehicle used in transporting the weapons was later impounded in Kabba, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area.

Items recovered 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 criminal use.

Fanwo said intelligence reports indicated that the intercepted weapons were meant to replenish the stockpile of criminal groups that had suffered significant losses following recent security operations, particularly 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.

He noted that the state government had anticipated attempts by fleeing criminals to regroup and rearm, prompting it to intensify intelligence gathering, strengthen surveillance at strategic locations, and deepen collaboration with security agencies nationwide.

According to the commissioner, available intelligence suggests that criminal groups hiding in forest locations across parts of the state have suffered operational setbacks and are experiencing acute shortages of arms and ammunition due to sustained security operations.

He added that the groups had been making desperate efforts to replenish their stockpile in a bid to withstand the ongoing pressure from security forces.

“The successful interception of this arms consignment demonstrates that the Kogi State Government remains ahead of criminal networks and committed to denying them the resources needed to threaten the peace and security of our people,” Fanwo said.

He commended local security forces in Kogi State, the Hybrid Forces under the Office of the National Security Adviser, the DSS, and personnel of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army for what he described as their professionalism, vigilance, and seamless coordination.

Fanwo also expressed the appreciation of the Kogi State Government to the Sokoto State Government and security agencies in Sokoto State for their cooperation, which contributed to the success of the operation.

The commissioner further praised the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his strategic leadership in strengthening the nation’s security architecture, and acknowledged the support of heads of security agencies across the country.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for enhancing the capacity of sub-national governments and security institutions to tackle insecurity, noting that the support has contributed to recent security gains in Kogi State.
Fanwo said the interception sends a strong message that Kogi State will not serve as a safe haven for terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, or other criminal elements.

He assured residents that there was no cause for alarm, stressing that security agencies had intensified surveillance and operations across strategic locations to sustain the momentum against insecurity.

The state government also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, emphasising that public cooperation remains vital to maintaining peace and security.