Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has declared a total war against terrorism and criminality following a significant joint security operation that led to the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition.
Major Arms Haul in Coordinated Overnight Raid
The governor made the announcement during a press briefing with journalists in Lokoja on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. He revealed that the successful operation was the result of over a week of sustained, intelligence-driven surveillance conducted by various security agencies working in close coordination with the state government.
According to Governor Ododo, security operatives carried out a coordinated overnight mission that uncovered a major criminal enclave where the weapons were hidden. Although no arrests were made during the raid, the governor emphasized that the seizure of the arms represents a strategic and critical breakthrough in dismantling criminal networks within the state.
Presidential Charge Galvanizes Crackdown
Ododo stated that the renewed and aggressive crackdown on criminal elements received further impetus after his recent meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He revealed that the President charged him to focus on intensifying security efforts rather than seeking accolades for the work.
The governor attributed the persistence of security challenges in Kogi to its unique geographical position. He stressed that Kogi State shares boundaries with ten other states, making it a critical corridor with multiple entry and exit routes that criminals often exploit.
Cache Contents and Call for Public Vigilance
Governor Ododo provided a detailed inventory of the recovered items, which underscores the scale of the threat:
- 24 AK-47 rifles
- 23 pump-action rifles
- One Tavor rifle and one FN rifle
- Four Barrett pistols and four Browning rifles
- 42 magazines
- 520 rounds of GPMG 7.62mm ammunition
- Large quantities of AK-47 ammunition and cartridges for pump-action and Barrett pistols
- 13 holsters, tear gas cartridges, and submachine gun (SMG) components
The governor made a passionate appeal to residents of Kogi State, urging them to actively support security agencies by providing timely, accurate, and credible information about suspicious activities. He assured the public of his administration's unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
This operation marks a significant escalation in the state's security strategy, signaling a more proactive and intelligence-led approach to combating terrorism and violent crime in the heart of Nigeria.
