Kogi govt foils arms smuggling plot, arrests suspects

Kogi State Government has announced the interception of a large cache of arms and ammunition allegedly destined for criminal elements operating within and around the state, in a major security breakthrough that authorities say has thwarted a planned retaliatory attack by bandits and other criminal groups.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, the operation was carried out through a coordinated 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.

The government disclosed that security agencies acted on credible intelligence indicating that a Golf 2 vehicle was being used to transport weapons intended for criminal elements seeking to destabilize the state.

Following weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering, security operatives, working closely with the Sokoto State Government and security agencies in the state, tracked the suspects across state boundaries. The operation led to the arrest of three suspects in Sokoto State after more than two weeks of covert monitoring.

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Authorities said intelligence obtained from the suspects assisted security operatives in intercepting the weapons consignment before it could reach its intended recipients in Kogi.

The Golf 2 vehicle used in the operation was later impounded in Kabba, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Recovered items included 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 believed to have been intended for criminal activities.

The government revealed that intelligence reports linked the arms shipment to efforts by criminal groups to replenish their weapons stock after suffering significant losses during recent security operations.

The report particularly referenced the neutralisation of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Battijo on June 10, 2026, following a failed attempt to kidnap students of Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu.

According to the statement, anticipating possible retaliatory attacks, the state government intensified intelligence gathering, expanded surveillance operations, and strengthened collaboration with security agencies nationwide to detect and disrupt criminal plans before execution.

Security reports further indicated that criminal elements hiding in forest locations across parts of the state have been weakened by sustained military operations and are facing shortages of arms and ammunition, prompting desperate attempts to acquire new supplies.

The Kogi State Government said the successful interception demonstrates the effectiveness of its intelligence-driven security strategy and underscores its commitment to staying ahead of criminal networks.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration commended the efforts of local security forces, the Hybrid Forces under ONSA, the Department of State Services (DSS), and personnel of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army for their professionalism and coordination.

The government also expressed appreciation to the Sokoto State Government, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, security agencies across the country, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their support in strengthening security operations.

Reaffirming its commitment to maintaining peace and security, the state government assured residents that there was no cause for alarm, noting that security agencies had intensified surveillance and operations across strategic locations.

The government urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that collective efforts remain essential in defeating criminality and preserving peace across Kogi.