By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
The Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, 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.
The Governor disclosed this while briefing Newsmen in Lokoja, stating that the operation was the outcome of over a week 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 to Kogi State’s 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,” he declared. “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, accurate, and credible information, assuring the public of the government’s unflinching commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
During the briefing, Governor Ododo listed items recovered in the operation to 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.
Other items recovered include handcuffs, 13 holsters, tear gas cartridges, and submachine gun (SMG) components.
Governor Ododo reaffirmed that the success recorded was the direct result of a tightly coordinated joint operation by multiple security agencies acting on credible and actionable intelligence.
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 situation is under control and advising residents to go about their lawful businesses without fear.