Three Arrested as Security Operatives Intercept Arms Shipment Bound for Criminal Groups in Kogi
Three suspects have been arrested following the interception of a cache of arms and ammunition allegedly destined for criminal groups operating in Kogi State.
The Kogi State Government disclosed that the operation was carried out through a coordinated effort involving local security operatives, hybrid forces under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army.
In a statement issued on Monday, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said intelligence reports alerted security agencies to a planned shipment of weapons being transported in a Volkswagen Golf 2 vehicle.
According to him, security operatives tracked the suspects for more than two weeks, maintaining covert surveillance before eventually arresting three individuals in Sokoto State.
Fanwo explained that preliminary investigations had already produced valuable intelligence, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the suspected arms trafficking network linked to criminal activities in Kogi.
Security operatives recovered two AK-47 rifles, several 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 use by criminal groups. The vehicle used in transporting the weapons was later impounded in Kabba, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The commissioner said intelligence indicated that the weapons were meant to replenish the stock of armed groups weakened by recent security operations, particularly after the killing of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Battijo on June 10, 2026.
Battijo was reportedly neutralised following a failed attempt to abduct students of Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu.
Fanwo noted that the state government had intensified intelligence gathering, surveillance operations, and collaboration with security agencies across the country to prevent criminal elements from regrouping.
He described the successful interception as evidence of the effectiveness of intelligence-led security measures adopted by the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
“The interception of this cache of arms sends a strong message to criminal networks that Kogi State will not serve as a safe haven for terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, or any other criminal activity,” he said.
Fanwo also commended the Sokoto State Government, security agencies, and other stakeholders whose cooperation contributed to the success of the operation.
He added that security forces remain committed to ensuring that those involved in criminal activities are identified, tracked, and brought to justice.
