Three Arrested as Kogi Security Network Intercepts Illegal Arms Shipment

Kogi State Government has announced a major security breakthrough following the interception of a large cache of illegal arms and ammunition believed to have been destined for criminal groups planning attacks within the state.
According to the government, the successful operation was carried out through a coordinated effort involving local security operatives under the state’s security architecture, Hybrid Forces operating under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army after actionable intelligence was received.
Authorities revealed that intelligence reports uncovered plans by criminal elements to move a shipment of weapons into Kogi State using a Volkswagen Golf 2 vehicle. Security agencies immediately launched a covert operation, tracking the suspects across state lines in collaboration with security agencies and government officials in Sokoto State.
After maintaining surveillance for more than two weeks, operatives arrested three suspects in Sokoto and began investigations that led to the uncovering of a wider arms trafficking syndicate believed to be supplying criminal groups operating in and around Kogi State.
Building on intelligence gathered during the operation, security personnel later intercepted the weapons consignment in Kabba, located in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Recovered items included two AK-47 rifles, multiple AK-47 magazines, 67 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two pistols, 12 rounds of pistol ammunition, and military uniforms allegedly intended for criminal operations.
Security reports indicate the weapons were part of efforts by criminal groups to rebuild their arsenal after suffering major setbacks in recent security offensives, particularly following the elimination of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Battijo during a failed kidnap attempt at Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu on June 10, 2026.
Anticipating retaliatory attacks, the Kogi State Government intensified intelligence gathering, strengthened surveillance across strategic areas, and expanded collaboration with security agencies nationwide to prevent criminal groups from regrouping.
Authorities say intelligence suggests criminal elements hiding in forest locations within the state have suffered heavy operational losses and are experiencing severe shortages of arms and ammunition due to sustained military pressure.
The government credited the success of the operation to proactive security strategies implemented by the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, describing the interception as evidence that intelligence-driven operations are yielding measurable results.
Special commendation was given to local security forces in Kogi, the Hybrid Forces under the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), and officers of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army for their professionalism and coordinated response.
The government also acknowledged the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser under Nuhu Ribadu, as well as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for strengthening the country’s security architecture.
Reassuring residents, the Kogi State Government stated that there is no cause for alarm, emphasizing that security agencies have intensified operations statewide to guarantee public safety.
Officials urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue sharing credible information with security agencies, stressing that the state remains committed to defeating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and all forms of criminal activity.
The statement was signed by Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kogi State.

Governor Umo Eno Unveils Grassroots Security Initiative, Engages 2,272 Village Youth Presidents

Governor Umo Eno has unveiled a new grassroots security and community engagement initiative, integrating 2,272 Village Youth Presidents across Akwa Ibom State into the security architecture to strengthen intelligence gathering and deepen youth participation in governance.
Eereporter.com

Speaking at a strategic engagement meeting with the youth leaders drawn from all villages in the state, Governor Eno described the gathering as a critical step towards building a safer and more prosperous Akwa Ibom.

He said security remains a collective responsibility and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property through community-based approaches.

“The villages remain the first line of defense in any society. People know one another in their communities, and they can easily identify strange movements and suspicious activities.

That is why we are integrating Village Youth Presidents into our security architecture,” the Governor stated.

He explained that the youth leaders will serve as vital links between local communities, traditional institutions, and security agencies to facilitate intelligence flow and strengthen vigilance at the grassroots.

He warned that the arrangement would not shield individuals involved in unlawful acts.

“If you think becoming a Village Youth President will shield you from accountability while engaging in criminal acts, then you are mistaken. This responsibility demands integrity, vigilance, and commitment to the protection of your people,” Eno said.

To boost coordination, the Governor directed all Local Government Chairmen to appoint Security Supervisors in their councils where such appointments have not been made.

The supervisors will coordinate security activities and serve as liaison officers between Village Youth Presidents, Community Watch groups, and security agencies.

Governor Eno also directed security agencies to develop comprehensive training programmes for the youth leaders and integrate them into the state’s community security framework. He announced plans to expand the state’s Quick Response Force to cover all ten federal constituencies for faster emergency response.

Introducing a reward system for actionable intelligence, the Governor said: “We have always said, ‘If you see something, say something.’ Today, we are taking it a step further. If you see something, say something and win something. Credible information that helps security agencies prevent crime and apprehend criminals will be rewarded.”

He charged the Village Youth Presidents to discharge their duties with patriotism and honesty, and to work closely with Village Heads, Clan Heads, Paramount Rulers, Local Government Chairmen, and security agencies. He also urged them to mobilize residents for civic participation, including the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise.

Umo Eno

Governor Eno recalled that upon assuming office on May 29, 2023, his administration established the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways to strengthen the state’s security architecture. He commended the nation’s security agencies and expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for support to security institutions.

The engagement underscored the government’s commitment to leveraging grassroots structures to promote security, community ownership, youth empowerment, and sustainable development under the ARISE Agenda.

The meeting ended with renewed commitments from the Village Youth Presidents to support government efforts in maintaining peace, safeguarding public infrastructure, and strengthening grassroots intelligence gathering.
Eereporter.com

Why Umahi Orders CBC Global To Suspend Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa Road Reconstruction, Withdraws Palliative Certificate

Works minister David Umahi on Sunday ordered the contractor handling the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa road to stop work temporarily and study pavement mixture specifications at another project site.
Eereporter.com

Mr Umahi gave the order to the contractor, CBC Global Civil and Building Construction, during an inspection tour of the Osun axis of road reconstruction.

The minister inspected the road project in the company of some federal lawmakers and other stakeholders.

“Go and check that mixture and then resume your work,” he stated.

Umahi also directed the contractor to slow down work on the carriageway and to form two teams to immediately work on the outer and inner shoulders.

“This is very important in two of the locations,” the minister said.

The minister noted that the section would not be used for some time, but warned that if it were not completed in time, he would withdraw the controller of works in Osun from the site.

“I have removed a number of controllers in some states, starting with my own state. I am going to create a classroom in my ministry and bring professionals into it.

“Those I am removing from sites will be learning every day. When you pass, we deploy you back to the site. I am on this road, and I have not seen where the palliative was done, but you (federal works controller) already gave a palliative certificate of N2.8 billion,” said the minister.

He gave the ministry official 24 hours to withdraw the certificate and directed CBC to “genuinely” go and do the palliative work.

“I don’t want to see any pothole, and the agreement is that you will mill all the failed sections and the cracked sections,” added the minister.

Mr Umahi also ordered that the contractor should put a binder.

“My friendship is based on the work. I don’t have a permanent friend or a permanent enemy. We have to take responsibility for what the public has asked us to do,” he said.

He also directed the controller to remove heavy trucks parked on the concrete road.

Umahi

“I am giving you 24 hours to clear them and never let it happen again. The moment you have those things parked, it generates internal stress on the concrete,” the minister explained. “You will not see it immediately, but that is the failure of the concrete.

“Solar lights must be done when we are done. You can’t effectively do the solar lights on the shoulders until you have done the shoulders,” Mr Umahi said.

Umahi, however, commended the contractor for diligence and tolerance.

“We have not paid them. They are working on 108km. They have done about 70km, and they do about one kilometre per day,” said the minister.
Eereporter.com