Ododo declares zero tolerance for bandit collaborators
….Orders tight security checks across Kogi
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has rolled out far-reaching security protocols aimed at dismantling criminal networks, flushing out fake security operatives and tightening control over movements into the state.
The governor announced the measures through an Executive Proclamation on Security Protocols, signed on December 16, 2025, as part of renewed efforts to protect lives and property and strengthen coordination among security agencies in the state.
The proclamation, according to the government, was issued against the backdrop of rising security threats, including the infiltration of criminals posing as security personnel and the provision of logistics and support to bandits operating within and around Kogi State.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.
The statement reads partly: “Any individual or organisation that knowingly identifies with, supports, harbours, aids, abets, or shows material solidarity with bandits or other criminal elements operating within Kogi State or granting support of whatsoever kind from outside Kogi State shall be treated as a criminal collaborator and hence dealt with in accordance with the law.
“Any vendor, supplier, transporter, or commercial entity that knowingly provides goods, services, logistics, funding, food, fuel, communication facilities, or any form of material assistance to bandits or criminal groups operating within Kogi State shall be deemed to be aiding criminal activities and shall be investigated, arrested, and prosecuted under applicable laws.
“Any person, group, or professional body, including any individual or firm, found to be knowingly facilitating, financing, shielding, or providing professional cover for bandits or terrorist organisations in Kogi State beyond what is permitted under the law shall be treated as criminal collaborators and subjected to investigation and prosecution in accordance with due process. All properties found to have been used for such criminal activities shall be forfeited to the state.
“Henceforth, all security operatives entering or operating within Kogi State shall be required to properly identify themselves and present valid operational credentials when required.”
Governor Ododo said the proclamation was issued in line with constitutional provisions that place the security and welfare of citizens as the primary responsibility of government, stressing that the measures do not amount to a declaration of a state of emergency.
Under the new framework, all security agencies operating in Kogi State will be subject to verification and clearance by a Security Monitoring Team comprising representatives of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other paramilitary organisations.
The proclamation also empowers authorities to immediately arrest and prosecute anyone found impersonating a security operative or operating without proper authorisation, a move targeted at curbing the growing menace of fake security personnel.
To further tighten control, the Security Monitoring Team is to be stationed at border communities and major entry points into the state, with security operatives from other states required to obtain clearance before conducting operations in Kogi.
The governor warned that any VIP or organisation entering the state with fake or unauthorised security personnel would face prosecution in line with the law.
He emphasised that the proclamation is strictly intended to strengthen the state’s security architecture, improve coordination among security agencies and protect residents, noting that it does not suspend the Constitution or authorise unlawful arrests or violations of fundamental rights.