Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, on Tuesday announced the discovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition following a decisive joint security operation in the state.
Items recovered from criminal hideouts include 24 AK‑47 rifles, 23 pump‑action rifles, one Tavor rifle, one FN rifle, four Barrett pistols, four Browning rifles, 42 magazines, 520 rounds of GPMG 7.62 ammunition and substantial quantities of AK‑47 ammunition and cartridges for pump‑action and Barrett pistols.
Additional items seized were handcuffs, 13 holsters, tear gas cartridges and submachine gun components.
Speaking to journalists in Lokoja, Governor Ododo described the operation as the result 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 encouraged him to redouble security efforts.
“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.
He 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 significant and strategic breakthrough in the fight against crime.
He noted that Kogi’s strategic geography, sharing boundaries with 10 states and serving as a critical corridor with multiple entry and exit routes, has contributed to the persistence of criminal activities.
“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.
Governor Ododo urged residents to actively support security agencies by providing timely, accurate, and credible information.
He assured the public of the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, praising the cooperation of the various security agencies involved in the operation.
He also 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.
Ododo added that citizens should not panic and can “go about their lawful businesses without fear.”