Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, on Tuesday announced the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition from criminal hideouts following a coordinated joint security operation in the state.
Ododo disclosed this during a news conference at the Government House in Lokoja, describing the operation as the product of a week-long, intelligence-driven surveillance carried out by security agencies in close collaboration with the state government.
According to the governor, operatives executed a coordinated overnight raid that uncovered a major criminal enclave where a substantial stockpile of weapons was concealed. He said no arrests were made during the operation.
He described the recovery as a significant strategic breakthrough in the state’s fight against crime.
Items recovered include 24 AK-47 rifles, 23 pump-action rifles, one Tavor rifle, one FN rifle, four Barrett pistols, four Browning rifles, and 42 magazines.
Read Also: Criminals can no longer exploit roads for kidnapping, says Fubara
Also recovered were 520 rounds of GPMG 7.62 ammunition, large quantities of AK-47 rounds, cartridges for pump-action rifles and Barrett pistols, handcuffs, 13 holsters, tear gas canisters, and submachine gun components.
Ododo attributed persistent criminal activity to Kogi’s strategic location, noting that the state shares boundaries with 10 states and serves as a major transit corridor with multiple entry and exit routes.
“Kogi is fully alert. The DSS, police, military, navy and other security agencies are working relentlessly, day and night. We will never bow to criminals, and we will never negotiate with them,” the governor said.
He urged residents to support security agencies by providing timely, accurate and credible information.
Ododo assured citizens of the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that the intensified crackdown on criminal elements followed his recent meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“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,” he said.
He added that the administration immediately reviewed its security strategies with relevant agencies and acted swiftly on actionable intelligence.
The governor expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his support and commended the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the leadership of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for their cooperation.
He urged residents not to panic, assuring them that the situation is under control and advising them to go about their lawful activities without fear.
