A large cache of arms and ammunition allegedly destined for criminal groups operating in Kogi State has been intercepted during a joint security operation, with three suspects arrested in connection with the shipment.
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 operation was carried out through a coordinated effort involving local security operatives within the state’s security framework, the Hybrid Forces 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 received intelligence indicating that arms and ammunition were being transported to criminal elements operating within and around Kogi State.
Authorities reportedly identified a Golf 2 vehicle allegedly being used to move the weapons.
“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, 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 over 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,” the statement read in part.
The government added that intelligence gathered from the operation led to the interception of the weapons consignment, while the Golf 2 vehicle used in transporting the arms was later impounded in Kabba, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area.
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.
According to the government, intelligence reports suggest the weapons were meant to replenish the stockpile of criminal groups that have suffered significant setbacks in recent security operations, especially after the killing of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Battijo on June 10, 2026, following an alleged attempt to abduct students of Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu.
The state government said it had anticipated efforts by fleeing criminals to regroup and rearm, prompting intensified intelligence gathering, expanded surveillance operations, and stronger 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.
“The Kogi State Government, having anticipated such moves, acted ahead of the criminals by expanding its intelligence network, strengthening surveillance operations and working closely with security agencies to intercept the movement of arms and other logistics intended for criminal elements,” it stated.
The government described the successful operation as evidence that authorities remain ahead of those attempting to destabilise the state.
It also commended local security operatives, the Hybrid Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), and personnel of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army for their professionalism and coordination.
In addition, the state government expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the Sokoto State Government, and security agencies in Sokoto State for their support and cooperation in ensuring the success of the operation.