By Muslimat Itopa
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has issued a sweeping executive proclamation aimed at dismantling criminal networks and their support systems within and outside the state, warning that anyone found collaborating with bandits, terrorists, or other criminal elements will be treated as an enemy of the state.
The governor made the declaration on Tuesday while briefing journalists after an expanded State Executive Council meeting with security chiefs at the Government House in Lokoja.
Governor Ododo said the proclamation was part of renewed efforts to strengthen security across the state in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to governors to prioritise the safety and welfare of citizens.
“We are working in synergy with the Federal Government to serve our people. When you are fighting criminals, there is no mercy,” the governor said. “We will take the fight to them in their hideouts. Wherever they are, we are coming, and we will not be deterred.”
He disclosed that credible intelligence reports revealed that some individuals, including influential figures and politicians, allegedly enter Kogi State with fake security operatives to support criminal activities, thereby complicating security operations.
To address the situation, Governor Ododo announced that, any individual or organisation that knowingly supports, harbours, aids, abets, or shows material solidarity with bandits, terrorists, or other criminal groups operating in Kogi State or provides support from outside the state will be regarded as criminal collaborators and dealt with according to the law.
The proclamation also targets vendors, transporters, suppliers, and commercial entities found providing logistics, funding, food, fuel, communication facilities, or other material assistance to criminal groups. Such persons, the governor said, will be investigated, arrested, and prosecuted.
Similarly, professional bodies, individuals, or firms found to be knowingly facilitating, financing, shielding, or providing services to criminal groups beyond what is permitted by law will face prosecution.
Properties both movable and immovable used in the commission of such crimes will be forfeited to the state government. However, the governor clarified that lawful legal representation carried out in good faith would not be criminalised.
As part of the new security protocols, all security operatives entering or operating within Kogi State are now required to properly identify themselves and present valid operational credentials when demanded. A security monitoring team comprising representatives of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other paramilitary agencies will be established to verify and clear security personnel.
The monitoring team will be stationed at border communities and key entry points into the state. Any individual found impersonating a security operative or operating without valid authorisation will be arrested and prosecuted.
The Governor said VIPs or organisations bringing fake security personnel into the state will also face the full weight of the law.
Governor Ododo emphasised that the proclamation was not a declaration of a state of emergency, nor did it suspend the Constitution or authorise unlawful arrest, detention, or infringement of fundamental rights.
He said the measures were solely to enhance coordination among security agencies and protect citizens from criminal elements, including fake security operatives.
The proclamation he said will take effect upon publication in the Kogi State Official Gazette.
The governor expressed gratitude to the people of Kogi State for their support and appreciation to President Tinubu for his backing in the fight against insecurity.
He also commended security chiefs from Abuja to the state level, including the National Security Adviser, for their continued cooperation.
“I am battle-ready to confront criminals from their hideouts,” Governor Ododo said. “I will stay with the people of Kogi State and fight for what genuinely belongs to them.”
Similarly Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has disclosed the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition from criminal hideouts during a recent joint security operation in the state.
The governor made this known while briefing journalists in Lokoja, explaining that the operation followed about a week of sustained intelligence gathering by security agencies working in synergy with the state government.
Governor Ododo said the renewed offensive against criminal elements was reinvigorated after his recent meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who challenged him to intensify efforts to secure the state rather than seek commendation.
“When I met Mr. President, I expected praise, but he told me to go back and do more for my people. That charged me,” the governor said. “We returned, met with the security agencies, harmonised our efforts, and acted on credible intelligence.”
According to him, security operatives carried out a coordinated overnight operation that led to the discovery of a major criminal hideout where large quantities of weapons were stored. Although no suspects were arrested during the raid, Governor Ododo said the recovery of the arms was a major breakthrough.
He attributed the persistence of criminal activity to the state’s strategic location, noting that Kogi shares boundaries with 10 states and has multiple entry and exit routes.
“Kogi State is not sleeping. The DSS, the police, the military, the navy and all other security agencies are working day and night. We will never bow, and we will never negotiate with criminals,” he declared.
The governor appealed to residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information, assuring them of the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
As part of the briefing, Governor Ododo listed items recovered during the operation, including 24 AK-47 rifles, 23 pump-action rifles, one Tavor rifle, one FN rifle, four Barrett pistols, four Browning rifles, 42 magazines, 520 rounds of GPMG 7.62 ammunition, and large quantities of AK-47 ammunition and cartridges for pump-action and Barrett pistols.
Other items recovered include handcuffs, 13 holsters, tear gas cartridges, and submachine gun (SMG) components.
Governor Ododo described the recovery as the result of a joint operation involving multiple security agencies acting on credible intelligence.
He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his constant support and motivation, as well as to the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Inspector-General of Police, and the leadership of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for their cooperation.
The governor urged the people not to panic saying citizens should go about their lawful businesses.
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