Security Forces Intercept Major Arms Cache, Arrest Three Suspects in Kogi

Security forces have intercepted a large cache of arms and arrested three suspects in a coordinated operation across Kogi and Sokoto states.

The Kogi State Government confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo.

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

Officials said the operation was based on credible intelligence about the movement of arms and ammunition intended for criminal groups operating in Kogi State.

Security agencies reportedly tracked a Golf 2 vehicle suspected of transporting the weapons across state boundaries, maintaining surveillance for over two weeks before intercepting the suspects in Sokoto State.

“The operation culminated in the arrest of three suspects in Sokoto State after they had been placed under covert surveillance for over two weeks,” the statement said.

Preliminary investigations reportedly led operatives to the recovery of additional weapons linked to the trafficking network. The vehicle used in transporting the arms was later impounded in Kabba, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area.

Recovered items include two AK-47 rifles, several magazines, 67 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two pistols, 12 rounds of pistol ammunition and military uniforms allegedly intended for criminal use.

The government said intelligence indicated that the weapons were meant to replenish stockpiles of armed groups following recent security operations that led to the neutralisation of a suspected bandit leader in the state.

It added that security agencies had intensified surveillance and intelligence gathering to prevent retaliatory attacks and disrupt any attempts by criminal elements to regroup.

Officials described the operation as evidence of effective intelligence-led policing and inter-agency cooperation.

The Kogi State Government commended all participating security agencies, including the DSS, the Nigerian Army and local security forces, for their coordination and professionalism.

It also praised the Federal Government and the Office of the National Security Adviser for strengthening sub-national security collaboration in combating crime.