Kogi State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd) says some bandits are already reaching out to the state government for negotiation to down their arms.
This followed the recent bombardment on hideouts and demolition of houses used for criminal activities in some parts of the state.
He stated that the state has deployed technology in the fight against insecurity in the last two years of the present administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Commander Omodara, in a chat with newsmen on the achievements of the Governor in the area of security, noted that deployment of technology has enabled the state to outsmart the criminals.
Recall that during his inaugural address as the fifth Executive Governor of Kogi the Confluence State on January 27th 2024, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo vowed to do everything humanly possible to ensure safety of lives and property.
One of the strengths of the state government is the use of technology as plans are already in top gear to get more to take the fight to criminals in the bush.
The Security Adviser said several Hilux, Siena vehicles and motorcycles have been provided to Army, Police, Vigilante and other security outfits.
According to him, one of the key policies of the Governor remains his stand not to negotiate with criminals as some of them have reached out to lay down their arms.
He said instead of negotiating with them, security agencies will continue to sustain the current onslaught by taking the fight to them in the forest.
The Security Adviser pointed out that government is working on a legislation to ban living in the bush, saying anyone that wants to stay in Kogi must live in the town or known settlement.
Commander Omodara noted that a apart from the bombardment in the North that is making bandits to run to the state, local collaborators are also assisting as some of them are now facing the wrath of the law.
He maintained that despite the upsurge in banditry and insurgency, Kogi remains the safest state in the North Central, attributing the success to intelligence gathering and political will demonstrated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ododo.
Commander Omodara added that over three thousand vigilante officers have been employed into the state workforce, who are providing adequate support.
