Kogi State government on Tuesday announced the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition from spots suspected to be criminals’ hideouts across the state.
Items recovered 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, as well as large quantities of AK-47 ammunition and cartridges for pump-action and Barrett pistols.
Also recovered are handcuffs, 13 holsters, tear gas cartridges, and submachine gun (SMG) components.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo announced the recovery of the items in Lokoja on Tuesday.
He said the arms and ammunition and other items were recovered during a week long of sustained, intelligence-driven surveillance by security agencies working in firm coordination with the state government.
Governor Ododo explained that the renewed and aggressive crackdown on criminal elements was further galvanized after his recent meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who charged him to intensify 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,” the governor said.
“We immediately regrouped, met with the security agencies, harmonised our strategies, and acted decisively on credible intelligence.”
According to him, 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, Governor Ododo described the recovery of the arms as a major and strategic breakthrough in the fight against crime.
He attributed the persistence of criminal activities in Kogi State to its strategic geography, stressing 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 said.
He called on residents to actively support security agencies by providing timely, accurate, and credible information.
He expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support and motivation, as well as to the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, and the leadership of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for their steadfast cooperation.
The governor urged citizens not to panic, assuring them that the security situation in the state is under control, advising residents to go about their lawful businesses without fear.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
