Massive Arms Cache Uncovered In Kogi; List Of Arms Emerge

Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Ododo announced on Tuesday that a significant cache of firearms and ammunition has been discovered during a joint security operation in the state.

The operation uncovered a variety of weapons, including 24 AK-47 rifles, 23 pump-action rifles, one Tavor rifle, one FN rifle, and four Barrett pistols, along with four Browning rifles.

Additionally, law enforcement recovered 42 magazines, 520 rounds of 7.62 GPMG ammunition, as well as large quantities of ammunition for AK-47s and cartridges suitable for pump-action and Barrett pistols.

Other items seized during the operation included handcuffs, 13 holsters, tear gas cartridges, and components for submachine guns. This operation marks a significant step in enhancing security and combating criminal activities in the region.

Governor Ododo, briefing journalists in Lokoja, said, “The operation was the outcome of over a week of sustained, intelligence-driven surveillance by security agencies working in firm coordination with the state government.”

He explained that the intensified crackdown on criminal elements followed his recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu, who urged him to step up security efforts rather than seek accolades.

“When I met Mr. President, I expected commendation, but he told me to go back and do more for my people. That statement re-energised me. We immediately regrouped, met with the security agencies, harmonised our strategies, and acted decisively on credible intelligence,” Ododo said.

The governor added, “Security operatives executed a coordinated overnight operation that uncovered a major criminal enclave where a significant stockpile of weapons was concealed.”

Although no arrests were made during the raid, Ododo described the recovery as “a major and strategic breakthrough in the fight against crime.”

He attributed the persistence of criminal activities to Kogi State’s strategic geography, noting that the state shares boundaries with 10 states and serves as a critical corridor with multiple entry and exit routes.

“Kogi State is fully alert. The DSS, the police, the military, the navy, and all other security agencies are working relentlessly, day and night. We will never bow to criminals, and we will never negotiate with them,” the governor declared.

Ododo urged residents to actively support security agencies by providing timely, accurate, and credible information, assuring the public of the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

He praised the cooperation of security agencies and expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his support.

“The success recorded was the direct result of a tightly coordinated joint operation by multiple security agencies acting on credible and actionable intelligence,” he said, adding that citizens should not panic and can go about their lawful businesses without fear.