By Fatima Saka
The Kogi State Government has announced the interception of a large cache of arms and ammunition, successfully thwarting a planned retaliatory attack by criminal elements seeking to destabilise the state.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government disclosed that the operation was driven by credible intelligence and executed through coordinated efforts among local security operatives, Hybrid Forces under the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army.
According to the statement, security agencies tracked a Golf 2 vehicle allegedly used for transporting the weapons across state lines. The suspects were placed under covert surveillance for over two weeks before three individuals were arrested in Sokoto State in collaboration with local authorities.
Subsequently, the arms consignment was intercepted in Kabba, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State. Items recovered include two AK-47 rifles, several magazines, 67 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two pistols, additional rounds of pistol ammunition, and military uniforms believed to have been intended for criminal operations.
The government revealed that the weapons were meant to replenish the arsenal of criminal groups weakened by recent security offensives, including the neutralisation of a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Battijo, following a failed abduction attempt at Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu earlier in June.
Fanwo noted that the interception underscores the effectiveness of proactive, intelligence-led security strategies adopted by the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. He added that authorities had anticipated attempts by fleeing criminal elements to regroup and had intensified surveillance and intelligence gathering to counter such moves.
The government commended the synergy among security agencies and acknowledged the support of the Sokoto State Government in ensuring the success of the operation. It also praised the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for strengthening the nation’s security architecture.
READ ALSO: MURIC Disapproves JUTH Lecture Timing, Warns Against Scheduling Activities During Jumu’ah
11th Our Ocean Conference: PAVE Pushes Youth-Centred Blue Economy Agenda in Mombasa
Reassuring residents, the government stated that there is no cause for alarm, as security operations have been intensified across strategic locations. It urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely information to security agencies.
“The interception of this arms cache sends a strong message that Kogi State will not serve as a safe haven for criminal elements,” the statement added.
About The Author
