Kogi Govt uncovers massive arms cache from criminal hideouts

By Sam Biodun Ogundipe in London

Gov. Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi state has announced the recovery of a massive cache of arms and ammunition from criminal hideouts, following a decisive joint security operation carried out in the state.

Ododo disclosed this at a news conference on Tuesday at  the Government House, Lokoja.

He stated that the operation was the outcome of a week-long, sustained, intelligence-driven surveillance by security agencies working in firm coordination with the state government.

According to him, security operatives executed a coordinated overnight operation that uncovered a major criminal enclave where a significant stockpile of weapons was concealed.

He said no arrests were

made during the raid.

The governor described the recovery as a major and strategic breakthrough in the fight against crime.

He highlighted the items recovered to include: 24 AK-47 rifles, 23 pump-action rifles, one Tavor rifle, one FN rifle, four Barrett pistols, four Browning rifles, and 42 magazines.

Others were: 520 rounds of GPMG 7.62 ammunition, as well as large quantities of AK-47 ammunition and cartridges for pump-action and Barrett pistols, handcuffs, 13 holsters, tear gas cartridges, and submachine gun (SMG) components.

He attributed the persistence of criminal activities to Kogi’s strategic geography, boundaries with 10 states,  and   a critical corridor with multiple entries and exit routes.

“Kogi  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,” he said.