BetaGist Top News Around The Globe
Security operatives have intercepted a cache of arms and ammunition allegedly destined for criminal elements operating within and around Kogi State, leading to the arrest of three suspects.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo.
According to the statement, the operation was carried out through a joint effort involving local security operatives under the Kogi State security architecture, Hybrid Forces operating under the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, and the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army.
The state government said intelligence reports alerted security agencies to the movement of arms and ammunition allegedly intended for delivery to criminal groups, with a Golf 2 vehicle identified as the means of transportation.
Acting on the intelligence, security agencies reportedly coordinated surveillance efforts across state boundaries and worked with the Sokoto State Government and security agencies in the state to monitor the suspects.
The statement disclosed that three suspects were arrested in Sokoto State after being placed under covert surveillance for more than two weeks.
According to the government, preliminary investigations have yielded useful intelligence, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the alleged arms trafficking network.
Security operatives later intercepted the weapons consignment and impounded the vehicle allegedly used in transporting the items in Kabba, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Recovered items included two AK-47 rifles, several AK-47 magazines, 67 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two pistols, 12 rounds of pistol ammunition and military uniforms.
The government said intelligence reports linked the arms movement to alleged efforts by criminal groups to rearm following recent security setbacks and increased security operations in parts of the state.
According to the statement, security agencies had intensified intelligence gathering, surveillance and collaboration with other agencies following reports of possible attempts by criminal groups to regroup and acquire new weapons.
The government commended security agencies involved in the operation, including the Department of State Services, DSS, Hybrid Forces under ONSA and the Nigerian Army, describing the operation as a result of intelligence-led security efforts.
