Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to combating insecurity, declaring that there will be no safe haven for bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements operating within the state.

The governor made the declaration on Saturday at the Government House in Lokoja while inspecting newly acquired Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and other security assets procured by the state government to strengthen security operations across Kogi State.

Ododo described the protection of lives and property as the foremost responsibility of his administration, stressing that security remains a fundamental pillar for sustainable development and prosperity.

According to him, the oath of office he took as governor came with a solemn commitment to safeguard the lives and property of Kogi residents.

“The day I took the oath of office to lead Kogi State was the day I entered into a covenant with our people to provide security for lives and property. We will continue to pursue criminal elements and ensure they have no place in our state,” he said.

The governor disclosed that a recent security briefing with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reinforced his resolve to intensify efforts against criminal groups and maintain peace across the state.

He noted that despite recent attacks in some communities by criminal elements, the swift response of security agencies helped to repel the attackers and minimise their impact.

Ododo said his administration had adopted a proactive approach to security challenges, explaining that he personally visited affected communities, including Iluke, to assess the situation and determine appropriate interventions.

“I do not rely solely on reports. I visited the affected communities myself, assessed the situation on the ground and concluded that urgent action was necessary to prevent criminals from exploiting our people,” he stated.

The governor revealed that the state government has commenced the deployment of specialised security equipment, including armoured protective vehicles, to support security agencies in tackling emerging security threats.

He warned that criminal groups have become more sophisticated, utilising technology such as drones and operating in coordinated networks, but assured residents that security forces are adapting to these evolving tactics.

“Bandits are changing their methods and using modern technology, but we have studied their operations and are responding effectively. We are taking the fight to them and dismantling their networks,” he said.

Ododo also disclosed that intelligence reports had uncovered attempts by criminal gangs to infiltrate communities through deception, but credited security agencies and local vigilantes for remaining vigilant and foiling such plans.

The governor commended the efforts of local hunters, vigilante groups, the Nigerian Army, the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies for their collaboration in maintaining peace and security in the state.

As part of efforts to strengthen the security architecture, Ododo announced that the government had ordered 50 armoured protective vehicles, with the first batch already delivered and deployed for operations.

“No amount of resources is too much when it comes to protecting lives. We will continue to invest in the security of our people and ensure that every community in Kogi is safe,” he said.

The governor ruled out any possibility of negotiating with criminals or paying ransom to secure the release of victims, insisting that government resources would be better utilised in equipping security agencies to confront and defeat criminal groups.

“I will never negotiate with criminals, and I will never pay ransom to bandits. Resources should be used to strengthen our security agencies and eliminate these threats permanently,” he declared.

Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s determination to reclaim every part of Kogi State from criminal elements and sustain peace and stability across all communities. (Nigerian Tribune)

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