Kogi intercepts large cache of arms, frustrates criminals’ planned retaliatory attack

The Kogi state Government has intercepted a large cache of arms and frustrated a planned retaliatory attack by criminals who suffered setbacks following the neutralisation of the notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Battijo on June 10.

A statement on Monday signed by Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communications, noted that a major security operation led to the interception of a cache of arms and ammunition believed to have been destined for criminal elements seeking to undermine the peace and security of Kogi State.

According to him, the successful operation was made possible through the synergy between local security operatives under the Kogi State security architecture, the Hybrid Forces operating under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, acting on credible intelligence.

The statement reads, “Preliminary information indicates that security operatives received intelligence on the movement of arms and ammunition intended for delivery to criminal elements operating within and around Kogi State. The intelligence specifically identified a Golf 2 vehicle being used for the illicit movement of the weapons.

“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, security agencies coordinated efforts across state boundaries and, in collaboration with the Sokoto State Government and security agencies in the State, tracked the movement of the suspects and their vehicle while maintaining close surveillance on their activities.

“The operation culminated in the arrest of three suspects in Sokoto State after they had been placed under covert surveillance for over two weeks. Preliminary investigations have yielded valuable intelligence, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the arms trafficking syndicate seeking to fuel criminality in Kogi State.”

He further stated that building on intelligence obtained through the operation, security operatives successfully intercepted the cache of arms and ammunition intended for criminal elements in Kogi State. “The Golf 2 vehicle used for the illicit movement of the weapons was subsequently impounded in Kabba, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area. Recovered from the operation were two AK-47 rifles, several AK-47 magazines, sixty-seven rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two pistols, twelve rounds of pistol ammunition and military uniforms suspected to have been intended for use by criminal elements in their operations.

“Intelligence reports indicate that the intercepted weapons were part of an effort by criminal elements to replenish their depleted stock of arms after suffering major operational setbacks in recent weeks, particularly following the neutralisation of the notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Battijo, on June 10, 2026, after his failed attempt to kidnap students of Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu.”

According to the statement, anticipating possible retaliatory attacks and desperate attempts by fleeing criminals to regroup and rearm, the Kogi State Government immediately intensified intelligence gathering efforts, widened its intelligence dragnet, strengthened surveillance in strategic locations and deepened collaboration with security agencies across the country to ensure that any such plans would be detected and neutralized before execution.

The statement added, “Intelligence available to the State Government indicates that the remnant criminal elements trapped within forest locations in parts of the State have suffered significant operational setbacks and are experiencing acute shortages of arms and ammunition following sustained security operations against them.

“Available intelligence further suggests that these desperate elements have been making frantic efforts to replenish their stockpile of weapons in a bid to fight their way out of the sustained security pressure being mounted against them by security forces.”

He stated that the Kogi State Government, having anticipated the moves, acted ahead of the criminals by expanding its intelligence network, strengthening surveillance operations and working closely with security agencies to intercept the movement of arms and other logistics intended for criminal elements. “The successful interception of the arms consignment is a clear demonstration that the Government remains several steps ahead of those seeking to threaten the peace of the State.

“The interception validates the proactive security measures put in place by the administration of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and further demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-driven security operations in combating crime and insecurity.

Fanwo noted that the Government particularly commends the local security forces in Kogi State, the Hybrid Forces under the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the officers and men of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army for their professionalism, vigilance and seamless coordination. As well as the Sokoto State Government, security agencies in Sokoto State, and all other stakeholders whose cooperation, prompt response and support contributed to the successful operation.

The Kogi Government also appreciated the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his strategic leadership and strong commitment to strengthening the nation’s security architecture, as well as the heads of security agencies in Nigeria for their continued support, coordination and dedication to keeping our nation safe.

“We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for strengthening the capacities of sub-national governments and security institutions to protect lives and property at the grassroots.

“The interception of this cache of arms sends a strong message to criminal networks that Kogi State is not and will never be a safe haven for terrorism, banditry, kidnapping or any form of criminality. Criminals operating within and around the State should understand that the walls are closing in on them and that every effort to evade justice will be met with greater determination by security forces.

“While investigations into the intercepted arms and the activities of the criminal syndicate continue, citizens are assured that there’s no cause for alarm.

“The administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo remains committed to deploying every lawful means, including intelligence gathering, technological support, community engagement and inter-agency collaboration, to sustain the gains already recorded in the fight against insecurity.

“We urge citizens to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies. Together, we shall continue to frustrate the plans of criminals and preserve the peace, security and prosperity of Kogi State.”