Weapons recovered from the suspects
Security operatives have intercepted a cache of arms and ammunition allegedly being transported to criminal groups operating in Kogi State, leading to the arrest of three suspects in a coordinated operation involving multiple security agencies.
The Kogi State Government disclosed the development 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 collaboration between local security operatives under the Kogi State security framework, the Hybrid Forces operating under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army following actionable intelligence.
The government revealed that security agencies received intelligence indicating that a consignment of weapons was being moved for delivery to criminal elements operating within and around Kogi State. Investigators reportedly identified a Volkswagen Golf 2 vehicle allegedly being used to transport the arms.
“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.
Authorities said follow-up intelligence from the operation enabled security personnel to intercept the weapons shipment before it reached its intended destination. The Golf 2 vehicle allegedly used for the operation was later impounded in Kabba, headquarters of 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 use by criminal elements.
“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,” it added.
The government further disclosed that intelligence reports linked the weapons shipment to attempts by criminal groups to replenish their stock of arms after suffering significant setbacks during recent security operations.
According to the statement, the development follows the reported neutralisation of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Battijo on June 10, 2026, after an alleged failed attempt to abduct students of Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu.
Officials said the state had anticipated possible retaliatory actions from fleeing criminal groups and consequently intensified intelligence gathering, expanded surveillance operations and strengthened 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 state government described the interception as evidence of the effectiveness of its intelligence-led security strategy and praised the various agencies involved in the operation.
“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.
“The government particularly commends the local security forces in Kogi State, the Hybrid Forces under the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the officers and men of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army for their professionalism, vigilance and seamless coordination.
“The operation underscores the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led security efforts, with the DSS playing a critical role in raising the bar for intelligence gathering and operational support,” it said.
The government also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for efforts aimed at strengthening the capacity of security institutions and sub-national governments to address security challenges at the grassroots.
It further acknowledged the support of the Sokoto State Government and security agencies in Sokoto State, noting that their cooperation and prompt response contributed significantly to the success of the operation.
