Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, announcing that the state is reinforcing its security architecture with additional armoured vehicles and heavier weaponry to drive criminal elements out of the state.
The Governor made the disclosure on Thursday while inspecting newly delivered Buffalo armoured vehicles, alongside others recently repaired after sustaining damage in operations against criminals, at the Government House in Lokoja.
Describing security as his foremost responsibility as Chief Servant of Kogi State, Governor Ododo said the inspection formed part of ongoing efforts to ensure security agencies remain fully equipped to sustain the fight against banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.
He recalled that his administration had earlier ordered 50 Buffalo armoured vehicles, noting that some were delivered immediately while a further batch has now arrived, alongside vehicles successfully repaired by local engineers.
The Governor further disclosed that the Kogi State Government, working through the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS), has procured about 30 General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) to be mounted on the armoured vehicles for enhanced operational effectiveness.
“We mean business. If they don’t want us to sleep, they too will never sleep. Kogi State is not a free market for criminals to come and operate. We will never negotiate with criminals, and we will never bow to their pressure. We will push them out completely,” the Governor declared.
He commended the engineers handling the repair of the damaged vehicles for their professionalism, expressing confidence that the renewed security assets would further strengthen ongoing operations across the state.
Governor Ododo also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to Kogi State and to the nation’s broader security efforts, expressing optimism that the fight against criminality is yielding positive results.
Speaking on the recent kidnapping incident involving candidates at an illegal examination centre in Dekina Local Government Area, Governor Ododo described the development as unfortunate, explaining that the so-called “Miracle Centre” was neither recognised nor registered by the Kogi State Government.
According to him, the students involved had been brought in from outside the state to engage in examination malpractice, and he insisted that legitimate examination centres across Kogi State remain adequately secured.
He disclosed that one victim has already been rescued, while security agencies have identified and are trailing those responsible for the abduction. The Governor expressed confidence that the remaining victims would be safely rescued and that those behind the illegal centre would face the full weight of the law.
Governor Ododo reiterated that his administration remains resolute in its determination to make Kogi State unsafe for criminals while guaranteeing the safety and security of every law-abiding resident.
