Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo has announced the recovery of a massive stockpile of weapons and ammunition following a joint security operation that targeted criminal hideouts across the state.
Speaking to journalists in Lokoja on Tuesday, Governor Ododo revealed that the operation, which lasted over a week, was conducted by multiple security agencies working in coordination with the state government based on intelligence-driven surveillance.
The recovered items 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.
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 security crackdown followed a recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu, who challenged him to strengthen efforts against criminal elements in the state.
“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.
The governor 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 characterized the weapons recovery as a significant and strategic breakthrough in the state’s fight against crime.
He noted that Kogi’s strategic location, bordering 10 states and serving as a critical corridor with multiple entry and exit routes, has made it vulnerable to criminal activities and exploitation by armed groups.
“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 called on residents to support security agencies by providing timely, accurate and credible intelligence information that could aid in the fight against crime.
He assured the public of the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, commending the cooperation among various security agencies involved in the operation.
The governor also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his continued support and encouragement.
“The success recorded was the direct result of a tightly coordinated joint operation by multiple security agencies acting on credible and actionable intelligence,” he stated.
Governor Ododo urged citizens to remain calm and continue their daily activities without fear. “Citizens should not panic and can go about their lawful businesses without fear,” he assured residents.
