By Yekini Jimoh
For Governor Ahmed Ododo, security is not just another government responsibility it is the foundation upon which every other aspect of development rests.
Since assuming office, the Kogi State governor has consistently maintained that the protection of lives and property remains the foremost obligation of his administration. Recent events across parts of the state have further underscored his determination to confront insecurity head-on and ensure that criminal elements find no refuge within Kogi’s borders.
The governor’s resolve was once again evident when he inspected newly procured Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and other security assets at the Government House in Lokoja.
Standing before the newly acquired equipment, Ododo sent a clear message to bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups: Kogi State is not available for criminal occupation.
According to him, the oath he took as governor was more than a ceremonial undertaking; it was a solemn covenant with the people of Kogi State.
“The day I took the oath of office to lead Kogi State was the day I entered into a covenant with our people to provide security for lives and property. We will continue to pursue criminal elements and ensure they have no place in our state,” he declared.
His statement reflects a broader security philosophy that has increasingly defined his administration one that prioritises proactive intervention, strategic investment in security infrastructure, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with security agencies and local communities.
Investing in Security Infrastructure
One of the most visible aspects of Ododo’s security strategy is the significant investment in modern security equipment. Recognising that contemporary security threats require sophisticated responses, the administration has committed substantial resources to strengthening the operational capacity of security agencies.
The procurement of 50 armoured protective vehicles represents one of the most ambitious security investments by any state government in recent times. The first batch has already been delivered and deployed to support ongoing security operations across vulnerable areas.
For the governor, such investments are not optional expenditures but necessary measures for safeguarding lives.
“No amount of resources is too much when it comes to protecting lives. We will continue to invest in the security of our people and ensure that every community in Kogi is safe,” he stated.
These vehicles are expected to enhance mobility, improve response times and provide greater protection for security personnel engaged in anti-banditry and anti-kidnapping operations.
A Hands-On Approach to Security
Unlike leaders who depend solely on reports from subordinates, Governor Ododo has demonstrated a willingness to personally assess security situations in affected communities.
Following recent attacks by criminal elements in parts of Kogi State, the governor visited communities directly impacted by insecurity, including Iluke in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area. The visit enabled him to obtain firsthand information about the challenges facing residents and evaluate the effectiveness of existing security measures.
“I do not rely solely on reports. I visited the affected communities myself, assessed the situation on the ground, and concluded that urgent action was necessary to prevent criminals from exploiting our people,” he said.
This direct engagement has enabled the government to make informed decisions and implement targeted interventions based on realities on the ground rather than assumptions.
Responding to Evolving Criminal Tactics
Security experts have long observed that criminal groups across Nigeria are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their operations. Governor Ododo acknowledges this reality and insists that security responses must evolve accordingly.
According to him, bandits and kidnappers are no longer relying solely on traditional methods but have begun adopting modern technologies, including drones and coordinated communication systems.
“Bandits are changing their methods and using modern technology, but we have studied their operations and are responding effectively. We are taking the fight to them and dismantling their networks,” he said.
The administration’s security strategy therefore combines conventional military operations with intelligence-driven tactics designed to identify, disrupt and neutralise criminal networks before they can execute attacks.
The Iluke Attack and Government Response
The recent attack on Iluke community served as a major test of the state’s security architecture. Although criminal elements attempted to destabilise the area, security agencies mounted a swift response that successfully repelled the attackers.
Government officials disclosed that several of the attackers were neutralised while others sustained injuries and fled into nearby forests. Security forces subsequently launched clearance operations to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent regrouping.
The incident highlighted both the persistent threat posed by criminal elements and the growing capacity of security agencies operating within the state.
Rather than treating the attack as an isolated event, the government used it as an opportunity to reassess existing security measures and introduce more stringent controls aimed at cutting off support networks for criminal groups.
Cutting Off Criminal Supply Lines
Perhaps the most far-reaching aspect of the state’s latest security strategy is its focus on disrupting the logistics and supply chains that sustain criminal operations.
Following intelligence reports indicating that bandits were receiving food, fuel, medication and other supplies through local transport networks, the government announced a series of sweeping restrictions in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.
Commercial motorcycle operations, popularly known as Okada, were banned across several hinterland routes within Bunu District.
Intelligence reports suggested that motorcycles had become a preferred means of transporting supplies to criminals hiding in forests and, in some cases, conducting reconnaissance before attacks.
To further weaken the logistical capabilities of criminal groups, the government ordered the closure of markets located along affected corridors and suspended the transportation and sale of medicines on motorcycles within designated areas.
The administration also prohibited the sale of petrol and diesel in jerricans throughout Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, citing concerns that fuel supplies were finding their way into criminal camps.
These measures are intended to isolate criminal elements and deny them access to resources necessary for sustaining operations.
Statewide Night Travel Ban
In a move that underscores the seriousness of the security challenge, the government also imposed a statewide ban on night travel on all state-owned roads after 7 p.m.
Authorities believe the restriction will reduce opportunities for criminal activities, improve monitoring by security agencies and make it easier to identify suspicious movements.
Although the decision may inconvenience residents, government officials insist that temporary sacrifices are necessary to guarantee long-term security and stability.
No Negotiation with Criminals
One of the strongest statements from Governor Ododo’s recent engagements concerns his administration’s position on ransom payments and negotiations with criminal groups.
At a time when kidnapping for ransom remains a major security challenge across parts of Nigeria, the governor has categorically ruled out any possibility of negotiating with criminals.
“I will never negotiate with criminals, and I will never pay ransom to bandits. Resources should be used to strengthen our security agencies and eliminate these threats permanently,” he declared. The position aligns with his belief that paying ransom only strengthens criminal networks and encourages further attacks.
Community Partnership and Intelligence Gathering
Beyond security equipment and law enforcement operations, the administration recognises the importance of community participation in the fight against crime.
Governor Ododo has repeatedly commended the contributions of local hunters, vigilante groups, traditional institutions and community leaders who work closely with security agencies.
He also praised the Nigerian Army, the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security organisations for their collaboration in maintaining peace across the state.
According to the government, credible intelligence supplied by residents has helped security agencies uncover attempts by criminal gangs to infiltrate communities through deception and disguise.
The administration believes that effective intelligence gathering remains one of the most powerful tools in preventing attacks and dismantling criminal networks.
A Determined Mission
As Kogi State confronts evolving security threats, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s approach reflects a combination of political will, strategic investment and operational coordination.
From procuring armoured vehicles and deploying specialised equipment to imposing restrictions designed to choke criminal supply lines, the administration has signalled its readiness to take difficult decisions in pursuit of lasting peace.
While challenges remain, the governor’s message is unmistakable: every inch of Kogi State must be reclaimed from criminal elements, and no effort will be spared in ensuring that residents can live, work and travel without fear.
For Ododo, the battle against insecurity is not merely a government programme it is a commitment to protect the people of Kogi State and secure the future of the state for generations to come.
