By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has ordered 50 armoured fighting vehicles to support security agencies in ongoing operations against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
Speaking while inspecting the first batch of the vehicles at the Government House in Lokoja, the governor said the acquisition is part of his administration’s efforts to enhance security and protect lives and property.
Ododo said the deployment of the vehicles would improve the operational capacity of security personnel, particularly in vulnerable communities facing security threats.The governor disclosed that he recently briefed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the security situation in Kogi State and received support to intensify efforts against criminal activities.
According to him, security operatives recently repelled attacks by armed groups in parts of the state, while one suspected criminal kingpin, identified as Batijo, was reportedly killed during security operations.
Ododo said he visited Iluke community to assess security challenges firsthand and emphasized the need for proactive measures to prevent future attacks. He noted that intelligence reports suggest some criminal groups are adopting more sophisticated tactics, including the use of drones for surveillance.
The governor commended the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters and other security personnel for their efforts in combating crime. “We have ordered 50 armoured fighting vehicles. The first batch of five has been delivered, while additional units will arrive in the coming weeks,” he said.
Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to combating insecurity and reiterated its policy against negotiating with or paying ransom to kidnappers and bandits.
