Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the fight against insecurity, declaring that no amount of resources will be spared in ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.
Governor Ododo made the declaration in Lokoja while inspecting the first batch of five protective and offensive military vehicles procured by the state government as part of a 50-vehicle security intervention initiative aimed at strengthening the capacity of security agencies to combat violent crimes in the state.
The Governor said the deployment of the specialised vehicles would enhance the operational effectiveness of security agencies and intensify ongoing offensives against criminal elements threatening the peace and stability of the state.
According to him, security agencies require all the support they can get to successfully combat insecurity, stressing that his administration remains resolute in providing the necessary logistics, equipment and intelligence support to secure every part of Kogi State.
Governor Ododo noted that criminal groups, particularly bandits, have continued to evolve tactics, including the deployment of drones to aid their nefarious activities.
He, however, assured residents that the state government and security agencies have equally developed new strategies and countermeasures to confront the emerging threats.
He commended the gallantry, professionalism and strategic operations of security personnel operating in the state, particularly for recent successes that led to the elimination of a notorious bandit kingpin, Kachalla Ibrahim Batijo who had been terrorising communities in the state.
The Governor also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support in the fight against insecurity, as well as the Office of the National Security Adviser and other relevant security agencies for their collaboration with the state government.
He revealed that President Tinubu has consistently encouraged him to confront criminal elements decisively and ensure that Kogi State remains unsafe for bandits and other criminals.
Governor Ododo reiterated his administration’s policy of refusing to negotiate with or pay ransom to criminal elements, insisting that such actions only embolden criminality.
“We will never negotiate with bandits or pay ransom. No amount of resources will be spared in our determination to rid Kogi State of criminal elements and guarantee the security of our people,” the Governor stated.
He assured citizens that the state government would continue to invest in modern security infrastructure and strengthen partnerships with security agencies to sustain ongoing gains recorded in the fight against insecurity in the state.
