Security Forces Intercept Arms Cache In Kogi, Arrest Three Suspects In Sokoto

Security forces have intercepted a large cache of arms and ammunition believed to have been destined for criminal elements in Kogi State, with three suspects arrested in Sokoto State following a joint operation, the state government has said.

The operation was conducted in coordination between the Kogi State security architecture, Hybrid Forces operating under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, acting on credible intelligence.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, announced the successful operation in a statement on Monday.

According to the statement, intelligence indicated that a Golf 2 vehicle was being used for the illicit movement of weapons. Security agencies tracked the vehicle across state boundaries and, in collaboration with the Sokoto State Government and security agencies, placed the suspects under covert surveillance for over two weeks before making the arrests.

“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 read in part.

Recovered from the operation were two AK-47 rifles, several AK-47 magazines, sixty-seven rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two pistols, twelve rounds of pistol ammunition, and military uniforms suspected to have been intended for use by criminal elements. The Golf 2 vehicle used for the illicit movement was subsequently impounded in Kabba, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area.

The state government said intelligence reports indicated the intercepted weapons were part of an effort by criminal elements to replenish their depleted stock following the neutralisation of the notorious bandit leader Kachalla Battijo on June 10, 2026 — after his failed attempt to kidnap students of Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu.

Fanwo said intelligence available to the state government showed that remnant criminal elements in forest locations had suffered major setbacks and were facing shortages of arms and ammunition after sustained security operations.

The state government said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the arms trafficking syndicate.

Sources: TheCable, News Point Nigeria