Security operatives have intercepted a large cache of arms and ammunition in Kogi State, foiling what authorities say was a planned retaliatory attack by criminal elements.
The Kogi State Government announced Sunday that three suspects were arrested in Sokoto State following a two-week covert operation involving local security forces, Hybrid Forces under the Office of the National Security Adviser, the DSS, and the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army.
Acting on intelligence, the team tracked a Volkswagen Golf 2 car suspected of moving weapons into Kogi. The vehicle was later impounded in Kabba, Kabba-Bunu LGA.
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.
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According to government, the arms were meant to replenish supplies for criminal groups operating in Kogi forests. The groups have suffered setbacks in recent weeks, including the June 10 killing of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Battijo, after a failed attempt to abduct students of Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu.
“Intelligence indicates these desperate elements are making frantic efforts to rearm after sustained security pressure,” the statement signed by Information Commissioner Kingsley Femi Fanwo read.
The government said it had anticipated possible reprisals and widened its intelligence network, strengthening surveillance at strategic locations. The interception, it added, showed the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo was “several steps ahead” of criminals.
Fanwo commended the Sokoto State Government, security agencies, the National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and President Bola Tinubu for support that led to the operation.
He warned criminal networks that “Kogi State is not and will never be a safe haven for terrorism, banditry, kidnapping or any form of criminality,” adding that “the walls are closing in on them.”
Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the arms trafficking syndicate. The government urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to security agencies.
