Newsbreak: Huge arms cache discovered in Kogi forest

By Samuel Ogunsona

A major breakthrough has been achieved in the fight against terrorism in Kogi State.

Early this week, a joint security operation led to the discovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition in Kogi State. Some of the weapons discovered were several AK-49, RPMG and assault Israeli rifles.

The operation, which was carried out by security agencies in collaboration with the state government, resulted in the recovery of a significant stockpile of weapons.

According to the Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, 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.

The Governor made this known while briefing journalists in Lokoja.

“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,” Ododo said.

The Governor revealed that the operation was a direct result of his recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu, who urged him to step up security efforts rather than seek accolades.

Ododo said, “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.”

The recovered arms and ammunition 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.

Some of the items includes handcuffs, 13 holsters, tear gas cartridges, and submachine gun components.

Ododo described the recovery as “a major and strategic breakthrough in the fight against crime.”

Although no arrests were made during the raid, the governor expressed optimism that the recovered arms would deal a significant blow to the criminal elements in the state.

“Security operatives executed a coordinated overnight operation that uncovered a major criminal enclave where a significant stockpile of weapons was concealed,” Ododo added.