Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Kogi State Government has disclosed that several bandits operating within and around the state have begun reaching out to lay down their arms and seek dialogue, a development authorities attribute to sustained and intensified security operations across the state.
The State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (retd), made this known on Friday while briefing journalists in Lokoja. He said the overtures from criminal elements followed a series of aggressive actions by security forces, including bombardments of bandits’ hideouts, demolition of houses linked to criminal activities, and continuous raids on identified flashpoints.
According to Omodara, the current security gains are largely the result of deliberate investments in modern technology and intelligence-driven operations under the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. He noted that the deployment of advanced tools over the past two years has significantly improved the capacity of security agencies to track, outmanoeuvre, and neutralise armed groups terrorising communities.
Recalling Governor Ododo’s inaugural address on January 27, 2024, the security adviser said the governor had pledged to do everything humanly possible to protect lives and property in Kogi State, a commitment he said is now being translated into decisive action on the ground.
“One of the strengths of this administration is the effective use of technology,” Omodara said. “Plans are already in top gear to deploy even more advanced tools to take the fight directly to criminals hiding in the forests.”
He further disclosed that the state government has provided logistical support to security agencies, including Hilux vehicles, Siena buses, and motorcycles, to enhance mobility and operational efficiency for the Army, Police, vigilante groups, and other security outfits involved in the counter-banditry operations.
Despite reports that some bandits are seeking dialogue, Omodara was unequivocal that the government would not negotiate with criminals. He stressed that the state’s policy remains firm and that the ongoing offensive against banditry and other forms of criminality will continue without compromise.
“The onslaught against them will not stop,” he said, adding that security operations are being sustained “with no holds barred.”
The security adviser also revealed that the Kogi State Government is working on legislation aimed at banning habitation in forests across the state. According to him, the proposed law is intended to deny criminals safe havens, as anyone residing in Kogi State would be required to live in recognised towns or settlements.
Omodara raised concerns about the role of local collaborators, noting that investigations have uncovered individuals within communities who aid bandits with information, supplies, and logistics. He said both the criminals and their collaborators are now facing the full weight of the law, as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle support networks that enable criminal activities.
He maintained that, despite security challenges in parts of the North Central region, Kogi remains the safest state in the zone. This, he said, is due to effective intelligence gathering, improved inter-agency cooperation, and strong political will at both the state and federal levels. He credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ododo for providing the necessary backing to security agencies to act decisively.
As part of broader efforts to strengthen grassroots security, Omodara disclosed that more than 3,000 vigilante officers have been recruited into the state workforce. He said the additional manpower has boosted community-level surveillance and enhanced the ability of security agencies to respond swiftly to threats.
Meanwhile, the security adviser confirmed that the Joint Task Force has recently carried out several coordinated attacks on bandits’ camps, leading to the neutralisation of many criminals and further degrading their operational capacity.
Authorities say the sustained pressure is designed not only to suppress criminal activity but also to deter future threats, as the government remains resolute in its determination to restore and maintain peace across Kogi State.
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