Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo announced on Tuesday the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition from criminal hideouts, describing it as a “major breakthrough” in the state’s fight against banditry and violent crimes plaguing Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

Briefing journalists in Lokoja, Ododo revealed that the haul—uncovered after a week of intensive intelligence gathering—included dozens of rifles, notably AK-47s, large quantities of ammunition, machetes, handcuffs, and suspected narcotics. The operation was carried out through coordinated efforts between federal security agencies and state forces.

“This recovery demonstrates our resolve to rid Kogi of criminal elements,” Ododo said, praising the synergy between agencies. “We are waging total war on those threatening lives and property—we will not rest until residents sleep with both eyes closed.”

Recall that the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo had earlier disclosed on Channels TV that the Government would make a revelation that will “shake the country” within the following 24 hours amid rising security concerns in the state.

No arrests were disclosed, and suspect details remain withheld as investigations continue. The seizure comes in the wake of recent church attacks in Yagba and Kabba-Bunu, where worshippers were abducted and several bandits killed.

Kogi, which borders 10 states including the Federal Capital Territory, has increasingly faced spillover violence from neighboring bandit hotspots. Ododo vowed sustained operations, including forest patrols and aerial support, to dismantle criminal hideouts.

Rights groups welcomed the recovery but urged transparency in the custody chain to prevent seized weapons from recirculating—a recurring concern in Nigeria’s security sector.