PHOTOS: Ododo announces recovery of weapons from criminal hideouts in Kogi

Usman Ododo, the governor of Kogi, has announced the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition from criminal hideouts in the state. 

Speaking with journalists at the Kogi state government house in Lokoja on Tuesday, Ododo said the operation was the outcome of sustained intelligence-driven surveillance by security agencies working closely with the state government.

The governor said the renewed crackdown on criminal elements was further intensified after his recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu, who urged him to deepen 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,” Ododo said. 

“We immediately regrouped, met with the security agencies, harmonised our strategies, and acted decisively on credible intelligence.”

He said security operatives carried out a coordinated overnight operation that uncovered a major criminal enclave where a significant stockpile of weapons was concealed. 

Although no arrests were made during the raid, Ododo described the recovery as a major strategic breakthrough in the fight against crime.

The governor attributed recurring security challenges to Kogi’s strategic location, noting that the state shares boundaries with 10 states and serves as a major transit corridor with multiple entry and exit routes.

“Kogi state is fully alert. The DSS, the police, the military, the navy and all other security agencies are working relentlessly, day and night,” he said.

 “We will never bow to criminals, and we will never negotiate with them.”

Ododo called on residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information, assuring the public of the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

According to the governor, 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 and 520 rounds of GPMG 7.62 ammunition,

Other items include large quantities of AK-47 ammunition and cartridges for pump-action, Barrett pistols, handcuffs, 13 holsters, tear gas cartridges and submachine gun components.

The governor appreciated Tinubu for his support and also commended the director-general of the department of state services, chief of defence staff, service chiefs, inspector-general of police and the leadership of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for their cooperation.

Ododo assured residents that the situation was under control and advising citizens to go about their lawful activities without fear.

Photos of the recovered weapons are below.