Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State has restated his administration’s unwavering commitment to tackling insecurity, declaring that no part of the state will be ceded to bandits, kidnappers, or any criminal group.
The governor made the declaration on Saturday in Lokoja during an inspection of newly procured Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and other security equipment acquired to bolster security operations across the state.
Ododo stressed that safeguarding lives and property remains the foremost duty of his government, describing it as a solemn obligation owed to the people of Kogi.
“The day I took the oath of office was when I entered a covenant with our people,” Ododo said.
According to him, security is not only essential for public safety but also a critical pillar for growth and development.
“We will continue to hunt down criminal elements and wipe them out from our land,” he declared.
The governor explained that a recent security engagement with President Bola Tinubu further strengthened his resolve to intensify the fight against criminality and ensure peace across the state.
He noted that although some communities experienced attacks after his return, security agencies reacted promptly due to the proactive measures and coordinated strategies already put in place.
Ododo, who personally visited affected areas, including Iluke, said direct assessment of security situations enables him to make informed decisions.
He said: “As a field worker, I do not wait for second-hand information.
“I visited the communities, assessed the terrain, and concluded we must act decisively.”
The governor disclosed that specialised security assets were already being deployed to support ongoing operations, warning that criminal groups had become increasingly sophisticated in their methods.
“Bandits are changing tactics. They now use drones and organised groups. But we have studied their strategies and are responding effectively to eliminate them,” he said.
He added that intelligence reports had uncovered efforts by criminal networks to manipulate and mislead local communities.
Ododo praised the contributions of vigilante groups, hunters, the Nigerian Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security operatives for their commitment to protecting residents.
To further strengthen security architecture in the state, the governor revealed that the government had procured 50 armoured protective vehicles, with the first batch already delivered and deployed to strategic locations.
“No amount of resources is too much when saving lives. We are ready to invest whatever it takes to protect our people,” he said.
The governor maintained that his administration would not engage in any form of negotiation with criminal elements, firmly rejecting the idea of ransom payments.
“I will never negotiate with criminals. I will never pay ransom to bandits,” he declared.
He said resources that could be used for ransom would instead be channelled towards equipping security agencies and enhancing their capacity to neutralise threats.
Ododo reaffirmed his determination to reclaim every inch of Kogi territory from criminal elements and assured residents that achieving lasting peace and security remains a top priority of his administration.
