The Kogi State Government has announced the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition from criminal hideouts following a coordinated security operation in the state.
Governor Ahmed Ododo disclosed this on Tuesday at a press conference at the Government House in Lokoja, saying the recovery followed a week-long, intelligence-driven surveillance by security agencies working with the state government.
According to the governor, operatives carried out an overnight operation that uncovered a major criminal enclave where the weapons were concealed, although no arrests were made during the raid.
He described the discovery as a “strategic breakthrough” in the fight against crime, listing items recovered to include 24 AK-47 rifles, 23 pump-action rifles, one Tavor rifle, one FN rifle, four Barrett pistols, four Browning rifles, and 42 magazines.
Other items recovered were 520 rounds of 7.62mm GPMG ammunition, large quantities of AK-47 ammunition, cartridges for pump-action rifles and pistols, handcuffs, 13 holsters, tear gas cartridges, and submachine gun components.
Governor Ododo attributed criminal activities in the state to Kogi’s strategic location, noting that it borders 10 states and serves as a major corridor with multiple entry and exit routes.
“Kogi is fully alert. The DSS, the police, the military, the navy and other security agencies are working relentlessly, day and night. We will never bow to criminals, and we will never negotiate with them,” he said.
He urged residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information, assuring that the government remains fully committed to protecting lives and property.
The governor said the renewed crackdown on criminals was reinforced after a recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
“When I met Mr President, he told me to go back and do more for my people. That statement re-energized me,” Ododo said, adding that security strategies were immediately reviewed and strengthened.
He commended the President, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for their cooperation and urged residents to remain calm and continue their lawful activities.
