Kogi Foils Major Arms Smuggling Plot, Arrests Suspects as Security Forces Tighten Noose on Criminal Networks

By Pan Afric Reporters

The Kogi State Government has announced the interception of a large cache of arms and ammunition allegedly destined for criminal groups operating within the state, in what officials described as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.

The disclosure was contained in a statement issued by the Kogi State Government and signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, on June 22, 2026.

According to the government, the operation was carried out through coordinated efforts involving local security operatives under the state’s security architecture, the Hybrid Forces operating under the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, and the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, acting on credible intelligence.

The government revealed that security agencies received intelligence regarding the movement of arms and ammunition intended for criminal elements operating in and around Kogi State, with a Golf 2 vehicle allegedly being used to transport the weapons.

Acting on the intelligence, security operatives reportedly tracked the suspects across state boundaries and, in collaboration with the Sokoto State Government and security agencies in the state, placed the suspects under surveillance for more than two weeks before arresting three individuals linked to the operation.

The statement noted that intelligence gathered from the suspects subsequently led to the interception of the weapons consignment and the impounding of the vehicle in Kabba.

Recovered items 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 allegedly intended for use by criminal groups.

According to the state government, preliminary intelligence suggests the weapons were being procured to replenish the arsenal of criminal elements who have suffered significant operational losses following sustained security operations across the state.

The government linked the attempted arms delivery to recent security successes against criminal groups, particularly the reported neutralisation of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Battijo on June 10, 2026, following a failed attempt to abduct students of Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu.

“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,” the statement said.

It added that authorities anticipated possible retaliatory attacks and immediately expanded intelligence-gathering efforts, strengthened surveillance across strategic locations and intensified collaboration with security agencies nationwide.

“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 government stated.

The administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo described the operation as evidence of the effectiveness of intelligence-driven security measures adopted by the state government.

The government commended local security operatives, Hybrid Forces under the Office of the National Security Adviser, the DSS and personnel of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army for their professionalism and coordinated response.

It also praised the leadership of Nuhu Ribadu for strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and acknowledged the support of the Sokoto State Government and security agencies whose cooperation contributed to the operation’s success.

The statement further applauded Bola Ahmed Tinubu for enhancing the capacity of sub-national governments and security institutions to tackle insecurity.

“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,” the government declared.

“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 assuring residents that there is no cause for alarm, the government said investigations into the arms trafficking syndicate are ongoing and that security agencies have intensified surveillance and operations across strategic locations to sustain peace and security in the state.

It also urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to combat crime and maintain public safety.