Olu Samuel
The Kogi state governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has reiterated the resolve of his administration not to submit to criminalities.
The governor made the vow on Monday while unveiling security drones procured by the state government as part of the commitment to protect lives and property across the state.
“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.
According to him, “This gathering is strategic, deliberate, and deeply connected to our governing philosophy of firm leadership, territorial control, and zero tolerance for criminality. This unveiling is a clear statement of our resolve that the safety of every Kogite remains our top priority”.
He said that the drones have advanced surveillance, monitoring, and response capabilities. They can operate in difficult terrains, 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 allow 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.”
“Let me be very clear here: this 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.” The governor noted
He said that If any criminal group was in doubt about his determination, the unveiling of these drones should clear that doubt.
” 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 we responded with action, not excuses.” He said.
The governor said that the latest efforts was an addition to the achievements of the last two years in the security sector.
” We have built a strong, intelligence-led security framework that combines 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 building 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 territories previously threatened by criminal elements.” He noted.
The governor however sympathised with those affected by criminal activities saying”Our hearts are with you. Let me assure you: this government is in full control. We are determined, we are prepared, and we will secure every Kogi citizen.”