,,,,Urges Residents Not to Panic.
By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh.
The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has announced the recovery of a massive cache of arms and ammunition from criminal hideouts in the state, following a decisive joint security operation.
Governor Ododo disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists in Lokoja, describing the operation as the outcome of more than a week of sustained, intelligence-driven surveillance by security agencies working in close collaboration with the state government.
He said the renewed and aggressive crackdown on criminal elements was further energised by his recent meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who urged him to intensify security efforts rather than seek commendation.
“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 governor said.
According to him, security operatives carried out a coordinated overnight operation that led to the discovery of a major criminal enclave where a large stockpile of weapons was concealed. Although no arrests were made during the raid, the governor described the recovery as a major strategic breakthrough in the fight against crime.
Governor Ododo attributed the persistence of criminal activities to Kogi State’s strategic location, noting 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 other security agencies are working tirelessly, day and night,” he said. “We will never bow to criminals, and we will never negotiate with them.”
He called on residents to support security agencies by providing timely, accurate and credible information, assuring them of the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.
Items recovered during the operation 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 7.62mm GPMG 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 result of a tightly coordinated joint operation by multiple security agencies acting on credible and actionable intelligence.
He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his support and motivation, and commended the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and the leadership of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for their cooperation.
The governor urged residents not to panic, assuring them that the situation is under control and advising them to go about their lawful activities without fear.
Edited by Dada Ahmed
