By Stephen Adeleye
Anyigba (Kogi), June 24, 2026 (NAN) Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi has hailed President Bola Tinubu’s massive investments in security, declaring that ‘Kogi is no longer a safe haven for criminals’.
Ododo made the remarks on Wednesday during an inspection visit to the newly established 21 Battalion Barracks in Anyigba, Kogi East.
The governor assessed operational facilities and interacted with military personnel stationed at the formation.
He said the rapid establishment of the barracks reflected President Tinubu’s resolve to support sub-national governments in confronting insecurity nationwide.
He expressed satisfaction with the operational readiness of the troops and the impact of the military presence in Kogi East.
According to Ododo, the deployment of the 21 Battalion has brought remarkable improvements to security in the zone.
The governor said the move had led to a drastic reduction in kidnapping, armed robbery, communal conflicts and other crimes that previously threatened the region.
“I am here today to appreciate all the gallant officers who are making sacrifices daily to ensure that our people sleep with their two eyes closed.
“Since your arrival, the security situation in Kogi East has improved tremendously.
“Cases of kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities have reduced significantly,” he stated.
Ododo emphasised that criminal elements now realised that Kogi is no longer a fertile ground for their operations.
“Criminals now know that Kogi is not a fertile land for them. There is no market for criminality in our state. We will continue to confront them until they have no hiding place,” Ododo declared.
The governor commended President Tinubu for consistently supporting states in the fight against insecurity, noting that the President has demonstrated practical commitment to securing lives and property.
“Mr President is doing well. He has supported the sub-national governments immensely. He cannot be in all the 36 states fighting criminals, so we serve as his foot soldiers.
“We are working together to ensure that every part of Kogi remains safe and secure,” he said.
Ododo further disclosed that the Federal Government has approved air support for security operations whenever required, saying it demonstrated Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring that security agencies have the resources required to effectively combat criminality.
The governor acknowledged contributions of the Office of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Department of State Services, and other security chiefs for their coordinated efforts in restoring stability.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to investing heavily in security, stressing that no amount of resources would be too much to protect lives and property.
He commended the Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Godiya Monday, for his leadership, praised officers and soldiers for their patriotism and selfless service.
He assured the military of sustained state support, especially as farmers prepared for the planting season, and urged troops to maintain the momentum against criminal elements. (NAN)
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