A major security operation has thwarted an alleged attempt to smuggle arms and ammunition to criminal groups operating in Kogi State, leading to the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of a cache of weapons.
The Kogi State Government disclosed the development in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, on Monday.
According to the government, the operation was carried out through a coordinated effort involving local security operatives, the Hybrid Forces under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army following credible intelligence reports.
Security agencies reportedly received information that a consignment of arms and ammunition was being transported to criminal elements within and around Kogi State. Investigators identified a Golf 2 vehicle allegedly being used to move the weapons and immediately launched a surveillance operation.
Working closely with the Sokoto State Government and security agencies in the state, operatives tracked the suspects across state boundaries while maintaining covert surveillance for more than two weeks.
The operation eventually led to the arrest of three suspects in Sokoto State. Authorities said preliminary investigations have already provided valuable intelligence, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the arms trafficking network.
Intelligence gathered during the operation also led to the interception of the weapons shipment, while the Golf 2 vehicle used in transporting the arms was later impounded in Kabba, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Items recovered from the suspects included two AK-47 rifles, multiple 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 criminal operations.
The state government revealed that intelligence reports indicated the weapons were meant to replenish the stockpile of criminal groups that have suffered significant losses during recent security offensives, particularly after the killing of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Battijo on June 10, 2026, following an alleged attempt to abduct students of Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu.
According to the government, security agencies anticipated attempts by fleeing criminals to regroup and rearm, prompting the expansion of intelligence gathering, surveillance operations and collaboration with security agencies across the country.
Authorities said available intelligence suggests that criminal elements hiding in forest locations across parts of Kogi State are facing severe shortages of arms and ammunition due to sustained military pressure and have been making desperate efforts to restock their weapons.
The government described the successful interception as proof that security agencies remain ahead of criminal networks seeking to destabilise the state.
It commended local security operatives, the Hybrid Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), and personnel of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army for their professionalism and coordination.
The Kogi State Government also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the Sokoto State Government and security agencies in Sokoto State for their support in ensuring the success of the operation.
