Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A major intelligence-led joint security operation across state lines has intercepted a cache of arms and ammunition destined for criminal networks in Kogi State, leading to the arrest of three suspects in Sokoto State and the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, two pistols, 67 rounds of ammunition and military uniforms, the Kogi State Government announced on Monday, June 22, 2026.
The operation, which spanned more than two weeks of covert surveillance, was carried out through collaboration among local security operatives under the Kogi State security architecture, the Hybrid Forces operating under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, according to a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo.
According to Fanwo, security operatives received intelligence on the movement of arms and ammunition intended for delivery to criminal elements operating within and around Kogi State. The intelligence specifically identified a Volkswagen Golf 2 vehicle being used for the illicit movement of the weapons. Acting swiftly, security agencies coordinated efforts across state boundaries and, in collaboration with the Sokoto State Government and security agencies in the state, tracked the movement of the suspects and their vehicle while maintaining close surveillance on their activities.
The operation culminated in the arrest of three suspects in Sokoto State after they had been placed under covert surveillance for more than two weeks. Preliminary investigations have yielded valuable intelligence, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the arms trafficking syndicate seeking to fuel criminality in Kogi State.
Building on intelligence obtained through the operation, security operatives successfully intercepted the cache of arms and ammunition intended for criminal elements in Kogi State. The Golf 2 vehicle used for the illicit movement of the weapons was subsequently impounded in Kabba, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area.
Recovered from the operation were two AK-47 rifles, several AK-47 magazines, sixty-seven rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two pistols, twelve rounds of pistol ammunition, and military uniforms suspected to have been intended for use by criminal elements in their operations.
Intelligence reports indicate that the intercepted weapons were part of an effort by criminal elements to replenish their depleted stock of arms after suffering major operational setbacks in recent weeks, particularly following the neutralisation of the notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Battijo, on June 10, 2026, after his failed attempt to kidnap students of Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu.
The state government said it had anticipated possible retaliatory attacks and desperate attempts by fleeing criminals to regroup and rearm, prompting intensified intelligence gathering, expanded surveillance, and deeper collaboration with security agencies across the country.
“Intelligence available to the state government indicates that the remnant criminal elements trapped within forest locations in parts of the state have suffered significant operational setbacks and are experiencing acute shortages of arms and ammunition following sustained security operations against them. Available intelligence further suggests that these desperate elements have been making frantic efforts to replenish their stockpile of weapons in a bid to fight their way out of the sustained security pressure being mounted against them by security forces,” Fanwo said.
“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,” the commissioner said. “The interception validates the proactive security measures put in place by the administration of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, and further demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-driven security operations in combating crime and insecurity.”
Fanwo commended the Sokoto State Government, security agencies in the state, local security forces, the Hybrid Forces under ONSA, the Department of State Services, and personnel of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army for their professionalism, vigilance and seamless coordination. He also praised the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his strategic leadership.
The interception comes amid intensified security measures across Kogi State, where authorities have sustained military operations following the killing of Battijo and the disruption of criminal networks operating in forested areas. The government said it has intensified intelligence gathering, strengthened surveillance in strategic locations, and deepened collaboration with security agencies across the country to ensure that any plans by criminal elements to regroup would be detected and neutralised before execution.
“The interception of this cache of arms sends a strong message to criminal networks that Kogi State is not and will never be a safe haven for terrorism, banditry, kidnapping or any form of criminality,” Fanwo said. “Criminals operating within and around the state should understand that the walls are closing in on them and that every effort to evade justice will be met with greater determination by security forces.”
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