Ododo unveils high-tech security drones, declares Kogi no-go area for criminals
...vows zero tolerance for banditry, says criminals’ “time is running out”
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has unveiled newly procured security drones, declaring that the state will not negotiate with criminals and will deploy technology, intelligence and force to secure lives and property across its territory.
Governor Ododo made the declaration on Monday during the official unveiling of the drones, describing the initiative as a strategic move anchored on firm leadership, territorial control and zero tolerance for criminality.
The governor said the deployment of the drones marked a major leap in strengthening Kogi’s security architecture, particularly in monitoring forests, border routes and other hard-to-reach areas often exploited by bandits and terrorists.
According to him, the drones are equipped with advanced surveillance and real-time intelligence capabilities that would enhance early threat detection, improve coordination among security agencies and enable rapid, precision-led operations.
Governor Ododo warned criminal elements operating within and around the state that Kogi would not surrender any community to bandits or kidnappers, stressing that government, not criminals, must remain in charge.
He noted that Kogi’s strategic position as a gateway between the North and the South makes security a serious responsibility, adding that his administration studied emerging threats and chose action over excuses.
The governor said the state had, in the last two years, built an intelligence-led security framework combining technology, community participation, inter-agency collaboration and strong political will, resulting in Kogi emerging as the most peaceful state in the North-Central zone.
He disclosed that grassroots intelligence had been strengthened across the state’s 239 political wards, while 2,752 Vigilante Service personnel were absorbed into the civil service to improve welfare, professionalism and discipline.
According to the governor, hunters were recruited and equipped across the 21 local government areas to support forest operations, while sustained clearance operations had reclaimed areas previously threatened by criminal elements.
He added that the state had also established a Quick Response Unit and procured patrol vehicles, operational vans, motorcycles, bulletproof vests, helmets and communication gadgets to enhance mobility and effectiveness of security operatives.
Ododo said the newly unveiled drones would further enable security agencies to monitor criminal movements, disrupt supply routes and neutralise threats before they mature.
He sympathised with victims of criminal activities, assuring residents that the government was fully in control and determined to secure every citizen.
The governor thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and commitment to national security, noting that federal backing and inter-agency synergy had strengthened security efforts at the sub-national level.
He also commended the National Security Adviser, service chiefs, heads of intelligence agencies and the Inspector-General of Police for their collaboration, describing Kogi’s security gains as a product of shared intelligence and joint operations.
Governor Ododo praised the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd.), as well as vigilantes, hunters, traditional rulers and community leaders, whom he described as the first line of defence at the grassroots.
Calling on residents to support intelligence gathering and early warning systems, the governor stressed that security is a shared responsibility, noting that silence protects criminals while cooperation protects communities.
He declared that while Kogi State is unsafe for criminals, it remains a safe home for law-abiding and hardworking people.