Security operatives have intercepted a large cache of arms and ammunition allegedly destined for criminal elements seeking to destabilize Kogi State, with three suspects arrested in connection with the operation.
The Kogi State Government disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo.
According to the statement, the successful operation was carried out through a joint effort involving 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, acting on credible intelligence.
The government said security agencies had received intelligence reports indicating that arms and ammunition were being transported to criminal groups operating within and around Kogi State. The intelligence specifically identified a Golf 2 vehicle allegedly being used to transport the weapons.
Acting on the information, security operatives coordinated efforts across state boundaries and, with the support of the Sokoto State Government and security agencies in the state, tracked the suspects while maintaining surveillance on their activities.
The operation led to the arrest of three suspects in Sokoto State after more than two weeks of covert monitoring. Authorities said preliminary investigations have already generated valuable intelligence, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the suspected arms trafficking network.
Based on intelligence gathered during the operation, security operatives intercepted the weapons consignment before it reached its intended destination. The Golf 2 vehicle used for the transportation of the arms was later impounded in Kabba, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
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 criminal activities.
The state government revealed that intelligence reports suggested the weapons were meant to replenish the stockpile of criminal groups that had suffered significant setbacks following recent security operations, particularly after the neutralization of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Battijo on June 10, 2026, during a failed attempt to kidnap students of Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu.
According to the government, anticipating possible retaliatory attacks and attempts by criminal elements to regroup and rearm, security agencies intensified intelligence gathering, expanded surveillance operations, and strengthened collaboration with security agencies across the country.
It noted that the successful interception demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-driven security measures and reflects the government’s determination to stay ahead of criminal elements threatening the peace and security of the state.
The government commended local security operatives, the Hybrid Forces under ONSA, the Department of State Services (DSS), and officers and men of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army for their professionalism, vigilance, and seamless coordination during the operation.
It also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for strengthening the capacity of security institutions and sub-national governments, while thanking the Sokoto State Government and security agencies in Sokoto State for their cooperation and support in ensuring the success of the operation.
