Arms Cache Intercepted in Kogi as Security Foils Retaliatory Attack Plot

By Enemona Samuel Endurance

The Bureau Journal reports that the Kogi State Government has confirmed a major security breakthrough following the interception of a large cache of arms and ammunition allegedly intended for criminal elements planning retaliatory attacks within the state.

Coordinated Security Operation

The operation was carried out through a joint effort involving local security operatives under the Kogi State security architecture, the Hybrid Forces under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army.

Security authorities said the breakthrough followed credible intelligence on the movement of weapons concealed in a Golf 2 vehicle used to supply criminal networks operating within and outside the state.

Arrests and Intelligence Tracking

Acting on intelligence, security operatives tracked the suspects across state lines in collaboration with security agencies in Sokoto State, placing them under surveillance for over two weeks before the arrest.

Three suspects were subsequently arrested in Sokoto State, with preliminary investigations already yielding actionable intelligence for further operations.

Recovered Weapons and Evidence

The operation led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, several magazines, sixty-seven rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two pistols, and military uniforms suspected to be intended for criminal operations.

The Golf 2 vehicle used in transporting the weapons was also impounded in Kabba, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Link to Criminal Network Activities

Authorities linked the intercepted weapons to efforts by criminal elements attempting to rearm after recent operational setbacks, including the neutralisation of a bandit leader during a failed kidnapping attempt in Iluke Bunu.

Security officials said intelligence further indicated that criminal groups operating in forested areas were facing shortages of arms following sustained operations against them.

Government Response and Security Assurance

The Kogi State Government said it had intensified intelligence gathering, surveillance, and inter-agency coordination to prevent retaliatory attacks and disrupt criminal regrouping efforts.

Officials stated that the operation demonstrated that security agencies remain ahead of criminal networks attempting to destabilise the state.

The government commended all participating agencies including the DSS, Nigerian Army, Hybrid Forces, and local security structures for their coordination and professionalism.

National Collaboration and Leadership Commendation

The state government also appreciated the Sokoto State Government and its security agencies for their support during the operation.

The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu were also commended for strengthening national security coordination and support for sub-national security efforts.

The government warned criminal elements that Kogi State will not serve as a safe haven for banditry, kidnapping, or terrorism.

Residents were assured that there is no cause for alarm as security agencies continue intensified operations across the state.

The Bureau Journal reports that the administration reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-led policing, community engagement, and sustained inter-agency collaboration.