Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has unveiled newly procured armoured personnel carriers and other security assets as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across Kogi State.
Speaking during an inspection of the security equipment at the Government House in Lokoja, Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, declaring that criminal elements would find no safe haven anywhere in the state. He said security remains the foundation for sustainable development and pledged continued investment in measures aimed at safeguarding residents.
The governor disclosed that the state government has ordered 50 armoured protective vehicles, with the first batch already delivered and deployed to support ongoing security operations. According to him, the vehicles will enhance the operational capacity of security agencies confronting increasingly sophisticated criminal networks.
Ododo noted that recent attacks in some communities, particularly in Iluke, underscored the need for a more aggressive and proactive security response. He said the government had intensified collaboration with the military, police, intelligence agencies, local hunters and vigilante groups to prevent further attacks and restore peace in affected areas.
The governor also ruled out negotiations with criminal groups, insisting that public resources would be directed toward strengthening security operations rather than paying ransom. He maintained that his administration would continue to provide the logistics and equipment needed by security agencies to combat insecurity effectively.
The latest procurement comes days after the Kogi State Government commissioned a Police Violent Crime Response Unit in Lokoja and donated operational vehicles and an armoured carrier to improve law-enforcement capabilities across the state.
Security experts view the deployment of the new armoured vehicles as part of broader efforts to reinforce Kogi’s security architecture and enhance the ability of security agencies to respond swiftly to emerging threats across the state. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
