Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has restated his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, declaring that his government will not negotiate with criminals but will instead confront and defeat all threats to peace and security.
Speaking at the Kogi State Security Summit and Fund-Raising on Tuesday, Ododo said security remains the foremost responsibility of his administration, describing it as the foundation for development and economic growth.
The governor noted that the state’s security challenges have evolved from conventional crimes to more complex threats such as kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and cybercrime, stressing the need for proactive and intelligence-driven responses.
“Kogi State occupies a strategic position as the gateway between the North and the South, and while this enhances commerce, it also exposes us to security risks,” he said.
Ododo disclosed that his administration has strengthened the state’s security architecture through the provision of operational vehicles, deployment of advanced communication and surveillance systems, and acquisition of drones.
According to him, these interventions have begun to yield positive results, including the disruption of criminal networks and restoration of calm in affected communities.
He credited his predecessor, former Governor Yahaya Bello, for laying a solid foundation in security management, which his administration is building upon to ensure improved safety across the state.
The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership in enhancing national security through intelligence-driven strategies and inter-agency collaboration, noting that such efforts have boosted confidence at the state level.
Ododo praised the efforts of security agencies, as well as local vigilantes and hunters, describing their contributions as critical to ongoing successes in combating crime.
While emphasizing government efforts, the governor stressed that tackling insecurity requires collective responsibility. He highlighted the restructuring of the Kogi State Security Trust Fund as a platform for individuals, corporate bodies, and institutions to support security initiatives.
He called on investors and the business community to contribute to the fund, noting that sustaining a secure environment is vital for economic growth and the protection of investments.
“Your contributions are not just donations; they are investments in peace, stability, and prosperity,” he said.
Reiterating his administration’s zero-tolerance policy for crime, Ododo warned that criminals would face the full force of the law.
“We will not bow to fear or surrender our communities to lawlessness. Those who choose the path of crime must be ready to face the consequences,” he added.
The governor urged stakeholders to unite in safeguarding the state, emphasizing that securing Kogi is critical to Nigeria’s overall security architecture.
