Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo has ruled out negotiations with bandits, saying his administration would neither pay ransom nor enter into any agreement with criminals.
“I will never negotiate with criminals. I will never pay ransom to bandits. The money that would have been used for ransom is better invested in equipping our security agencies to confront and defeat them. They must leave our land,” he declared while reiterating his administration’s resolve to reclaim every part of Kogi State from criminal elements and ensure lasting peace and security across the state.
Speaking during the inspection of newly procured armoured personnel carriers and other security assets at the Government House in Lokoja at the weekend, Governor Ododo said the protection of lives and property remained the foremost responsibility of his administration and a covenant he made with the people upon assuming office.
He declared that no part of the state would be ceded to bandits, kidnappers, or other criminal elements threatening the peace and safety of residents.
According to the governor, security is the bedrock of sustainable development and a collective responsibility that must be vigorously pursued.
“The day I took the oath of office to pilot the affairs of Kogi State was the day I entered into a covenant with our people to provide security for lives and property. We will continue to hunt down criminal elements and wipe them out from our land,” he said.
He disclosed that following a recent security briefing with President Bola Tinubu, he returned to the state with renewed determination and a clear mandate to sustain peace and confront criminal activities.
He noted that recent attacks on some communities were successfully repelled due to proactive measures and effective coordination among security agencies.
The governor said he personally visited affected areas, particularly Iluke community, to assess the situation rather than relying on reports.
Ododo revealed that the state government has begun deploying specialized security equipment, including armoured protective vehicles, to strengthen ongoing operations against criminal groups.
He warned that bandits have adopted more sophisticated tactics, including the use of drones and coordinated attacks, but assured that security forces have adapted to counter the evolving threats.
“Bandits are changing tactics. They now use drones and operate in organized groups. But we have studied their strategies, and we are responding effectively. We are taking the fight to them and eliminating them one after another,” he said.
The governor further disclosed that intelligence reports had uncovered attempts by criminal gangs to infiltrate communities through deception, adding that local vigilantes and security operatives had successfully thwarted such plots.
He commended the efforts of local hunters, vigilantes, the Nigerian Army, the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies for their collaboration in safeguarding the state.
Governor Ododo announced that the state had ordered 50 armoured protective vehicles to boost security operations, with the first batch already delivered and deployed.
“No amount of resources is too much when it comes to saving lives. We are ready to invest whatever it takes to protect our people and secure every community in Kogi State,” he affirmed.
