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The Kogi State Government has announced the interception of a cache of arms and ammunition allegedly destined for criminal elements operating within and around the state, following a coordinated security operation involving multiple agencies.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the operation was carried out through collaboration between local security operatives under the Kogi State security architecture, Hybrid Forces under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army.

Fanwo said the operation was triggered by credible intelligence indicating that a Golf 2 vehicle was being used to transport arms and ammunition intended for criminal groups seeking to undermine security in the state.

He disclosed that security operatives tracked the suspects across state boundaries and, working closely with the Sokoto State Government and security agencies in the state, maintained covert surveillance on the suspects for more than two weeks before effecting their arrest.

The operation led to the arrest of three suspects in Sokoto State, while investigations reportedly yielded intelligence that enabled security agencies to intercept the weapons consignment before it reached its intended destination.

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

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 believed to have been intended for use by criminal elements.

The state government said intelligence reports suggested that the intercepted weapons were meant to replenish the stockpile of criminal groups that had suffered significant setbacks following recent security operations, including the neutralisation of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Battijo on June 10 after an alleged failed attempt to kidnap students of Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu.

According to the government, security agencies had anticipated attempts by criminal elements to regroup and rearm, prompting intensified intelligence gathering, enhanced surveillance and stronger collaboration with security agencies across the country.

The statement noted that intelligence available to the government indicated that remnant criminal groups operating from forest locations in parts of the state were facing acute shortages of arms and ammunition due to sustained military pressure.

Fanwo described the interception as evidence of the effectiveness of intelligence-driven security operations and a demonstration that the government remained ahead of criminal networks seeking to destabilise the state.

The government commended local security forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), Hybrid Forces under ONSA and the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army for what it described as their professionalism and seamless coordination during the operation.

It also expressed appreciation to the Sokoto State Government, security agencies in the state and other stakeholders whose cooperation contributed to the success of the operation.

The Kogi Government further praised National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture and improve the capacity of security institutions.

While investigations continue, the government assured residents that there was no cause for alarm, stating that security operations and surveillance had been intensified across strategic locations to guarantee public safety.

It urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information to security agencies, stressing that the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo would continue to deploy intelligence, technology, community engagement and inter-agency collaboration in its fight against insecurity.