SECURITY operatives have intercepted a large cache of arms and ammunition allegedly intended for criminal groups operating in and around Kogi State, leading to the arrest of three suspects.
The Kogi State Government disclosed the development in a statement issued today 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 under the state’s security architecture, Hybrid Forces under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army.
The operation was launched following credible intelligence on the movement of weapons destined for criminal elements.
Authorities said intelligence reports identified a Volkswagen Golf 2 vehicle being used to transport the weapons.
Acting on the information, security agencies tracked the suspects across state lines and worked closely with security personnel and the Sokoto State Government to monitor their movements.
The operation resulted in the arrest of three suspects in Sokoto State after more than two weeks of covert surveillance.
Security agencies said preliminary investigations have already generated useful intelligence, while efforts continue to apprehend other members of the suspected arms trafficking network.
Based on intelligence gathered during the operation, security operatives later intercepted the weapons consignment and impounded the vehicle in Kabba, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Items recovered include 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 government stated that intelligence reports suggest the weapons were meant to replenish the stockpile of criminal groups that have suffered significant losses following recent security operations, including the killing of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Battijo on June 10, 2026.
It noted that anticipating possible attempts by criminal elements to regroup and rearm, the state intensified intelligence gathering, strengthened surveillance across strategic locations, and enhanced collaboration with security agencies nationwide.
According to the government, available intelligence indicates that criminal groups hiding in forested areas of the state are facing severe shortages of arms and ammunition due to sustained military pressure.
The intercepted shipment, it said, was part of efforts by the groups to restore their operational capacity.
The state government described the successful operation as evidence of the effectiveness of its intelligence-driven security strategy and commended the contributions of local security forces, the Hybrid Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade.
It also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting security initiatives across the country and thanked the Sokoto State Government and security agencies for their cooperation in ensuring the success of the operation.
