Kogi Security Forces Intercept Arms Shipment, Arrest Three Suspects

Security forces have intercepted a large cache of arms and ammunition allegedly destined for criminal elements operating in Kogi State, leading to the arrest of three suspected members of an arms trafficking network.

The Kogi State Government announced the development on Monday, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat insecurity and prevent criminal groups from rearming.

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

Authorities said the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that a Golf 2 vehicle was being used to transport weapons and ammunition intended for criminal groups operating within and around Kogi State.

Acting on the intelligence, security agencies coordinated efforts across state boundaries and worked closely with security agencies in Sokoto State to monitor the suspects and track their movements.

The surveillance operation lasted more than two weeks and eventually led to the arrest of three suspects in Sokoto State.

Officials said preliminary investigations have already produced valuable intelligence, while efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the trafficking syndicate.

Based on information gathered during the investigation, security operatives intercepted the weapons consignment before it could reach its intended destination in Kogi State. The Golf 2 vehicle allegedly used for transporting the arms was later impounded in Kabba, located in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area.

Recovered items 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 suspected to have been intended for criminal operations.

The state government revealed that intelligence reports linked the weapons shipment to efforts by criminal groups seeking to replenish their stockpile following recent security crackdowns.

According to the government, several armed groups have suffered major setbacks in recent weeks, particularly after the reported neutralisation of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Battijo on June 10, 2026, following a failed attempt to abduct students at Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu.

Officials said intelligence reports indicated that remaining criminal elements hiding in forest locations across parts of Kogi State were facing severe shortages of weapons and ammunition due to sustained military and security operations.

The government noted that security agencies anticipated attempts by the groups to rearm and therefore expanded intelligence gathering, strengthened surveillance activities, and intensified cooperation with security agencies nationwide.

It described the successful interception as evidence that authorities remain proactive in addressing emerging security threats before they escalate.

The state government commended local security operatives, the Department of State Services, Hybrid Forces under ONSA, and personnel of the Nigerian Army for their professionalism and effective coordination during the operation.

Authorities also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting efforts aimed at strengthening security institutions and enhancing collaboration between federal and state authorities in the fight against crime.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining pressure on criminal networks and preventing any attempt to destabilise communities across Kogi State.