By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has uncovered a large cache of arms and ammunition from criminal hideouts, Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo announced on Tuesday in Lokoja. The recovery follows a week-long, intelligence-driven operation conducted in collaboration with security agencies across the state.
Governor Ododo briefed newsmen, revealing that the operation yielded 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 significant quantities of AK-47 and pump-action cartridges. Other items recovered include handcuffs, 13 holsters, tear gas cartridges, and submachine gun components.
According to the governor, the renewed crackdown on criminal elements was motivated by his recent meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who urged intensified 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,” Ododo said.
He explained that security operatives executed a coordinated overnight raid that revealed a major criminal enclave. While no arrests were made during the operation, the governor described the recovery of the arms as a strategic breakthrough in the fight against crime.
Ododo highlighted Kogi State’s vulnerability due to its strategic location, sharing borders with 10 states and serving as a key corridor with multiple entry and exit points. “Kogi State is fully alert. The DSS, the police, the military, the navy, and all other security agencies are working relentlessly, day and night,” he affirmed. “We will never bow to criminals, and we will never negotiate with them.”
The governor called on residents to actively support security agencies by providing timely and credible information, assuring the public that the government remains committed to safeguarding lives and property.
Governor Ododo credited the operation’s success to the close coordination of multiple security agencies acting on actionable intelligence. He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his support and to the leadership of the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for their cooperation.
He urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that the situation is under control and encouraging them to continue their daily activities without fear.
