Kogi State governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has restated that the safety of all residents of the state remains his top priority.

The governor also said his administration will not submit to criminality. “We have said it before, and we will say it again today. Kogi State will not negotiate with criminals. We will not surrender our communities. We will not allow bandits or terrorists to take over any part of our land. Government must be in charge, not bandits, not kidnappers, not criminal sponsors. Our government is fully prepared to confront, attack, and defeat all criminal elements operating within our territory.”

Ododo made this known at the parade ground, Chari Meigumeri barracks, Lokoja, Kogi State, while unveiling 2 HP-20 State Asset Drones procured by the state government.

He said, “Today is an important day for Kogi State as we are here to unveil security drones procured by the Kogi State Government as part of our firm commitment to protect lives and property across our state.”

“These drones have advanced surveillance, monitoring, and response capabilities. They can operate in difficult terrain, penetrate forested hideouts, support real-time intelligence gathering, and, where necessary, enable precision-led operations against terrorists and bandits. They provide early detection of suspicious movements, improve coordination between security agencies, and enable faster, intelligence-driven deployment of forces.”

“This investment marks a major step forward in strengthening our security architecture and ensuring that criminals have no hiding place in Kogi State.”

The governor assured that if any criminal group “had any doubt about our determination, the unveiling of these drones should dispel it. To the criminals, I say this plainly: your time is running out. Kogi State’s strategic location as the gateway between the North and the South makes security a serious responsibility.

“Our forests, borders, and movement corridors have, in the past, been targeted by criminal elements displaced from other regions. We studied these threats carefully and responded with action, not excuses.”

“Over the past two years, our administration has delivered clear achievements in the security sector. We have built a strong, intelligence-led security framework that integrates technology, community participation, inter-agency cooperation, and political will.”

“Today, Kogi State stands as the most peaceful state in the North Central zone, and we are determined to be the safest state in Nigeria.”

“We strengthened grassroots intelligence by establishing security structures across all 239 political wards. We formally absorbed 2,752 Vigilante Service personnel into the civil service to improve welfare, discipline, and professionalism. We recruited and equipped hunters across the 21 local government areas to support operations in forests and hard-to-reach areas. We have also sustained clearance operations in several flashpoints, reclaiming territory previously threatened by criminal elements.”

“We constructed and equipped a Quick Response Unit to ensure rapid deployment to security threats. We procured and distributed patrol vehicles, operational vans, thousands of motorcycles, bulletproof vests, helmets, communication gadgets, and

equipment to enhance mobility, safety, and effectiveness.

“Today’s unveiling of these drones builds on these efforts. It strengthens our ability to see threats early, respond faster, deny criminals’ territory, and protect our people better.

“I also appreciate the National Security Adviser; the Chief of Defence Staff; the Chief of Army Staff; the Chief of Naval Staff; the Chief of Air Staff; the DG, NIA; the Inspector General of Police; the Director General of the Department of State Services; and the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for their continued support and collaboration. Our success so far is the result of synergy, shared intelligence, and joint operations.”

To the law-abiding people of the state,” Gov Ododo said, “I assure you that your government remains fully committed to your safety. But security is a shared responsibility. Silence protects criminals; cooperation protects communities. I urge everyone to continue supporting intelligence gathering and early-warning systems. We will continue to invest in security, support our security agencies, and protect our communities so that businesses can thrive and families can live in peace.”

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said, “This occasion clearly demonstrates the commitment of Gov Ododo to complement federal efforts at addressing security challenges and safeguarding lives and property in Kogi State.

“This occasion further demonstrates the state’s readiness and professional magnanimity in boosting the operational capability of the Nigerian Army.”

Highlights of the event included a practical demonstration of the drone, showcasing the height it can reach, its capacity to drop bombs on precise targets, and its capacity to deliver food to troops on battlefields.

(Guardian)