Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Lokoja, Nigeria — In a high-profile security initiative aimed at tackling rising crime and insecurity, the Kogi State Government has purchased and unveiled two high-capacity PH20 surveillance drones as part of its broader strategy to enhance intelligence-led operations across the state. The drones were officially commissioned on Monday, January 19, 2026, at a ceremony held at the 12 Brigade Headquarters, Chari-Maigumeri Barracks, Lokoja, drawing top military commanders, security officials and government representatives.
Speaking at the unveiling, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo described the deployment of the PH20 drones as a decisive step in strengthening Kogi’s security architecture and ensuring the safety of lives and property. He said the acquisition reflects his administration’s commitment to leveraging modern technology in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality that have posed challenges in parts of the North-Central state.
“These drones have advanced surveillance, monitoring and rapid-response capabilities,” Governor Ododo said, underscoring that the PH20 platforms are designed to operate in difficult terrains and provide real-time intelligence gathering that will support security agencies in tracking suspicious movements, penetrating forest hideouts and enhancing the tactical coordination of operations.
Officials explained that the drones’ sophisticated surveillance systems — including long-range monitoring and precision-led coordination features — will greatly improve the ability of security forces to detect threats early, gather accurate situational data, and deploy responses swiftly across vulnerable areas.
The governor emphasised that the unveiling is part of a growing suite of security interventions enacted by his administration. Over the past two years, the state has expanded its grassroots intelligence network by establishing security structures across all 239 political wards, absorbing 2,752 Vigilante Service personnel into the civil service, and recruiting local hunters in all 21 local government areas to support operations — particularly in forests and rural corridors that have been exploited by criminal elements.
In addition to the drones, Kogi’s security framework has been augmented with patrol vehicles, operational vans, communication equipment, motorcycles, bulletproof vests and a Quick Response Unit, measures the governor said demonstrate a proactive rather than reactive approach to public safety.
Governor Ododo reiterated his administration’s “zero tolerance” stance on criminality, declaring that no part of Kogi State will be ceded to bandits, kidnappers or terrorists. He highlighted the state’s strategic position as a gateway between northern and southern Nigeria, a factor that makes effective security and intelligence capacity especially vital.
Senior military officials present at the event praised the introduction of the drones as aligned with global best practices and a welcome enhancement to ongoing security collaboration. Brigadier General K.U. Sidi, Commander of the 12 Brigade, described the technology as a “game changer” that will support better operational efficiency and situational awareness for troops in the field.
Representatives of the Nigerian Army and other federal security stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Kogi’s efforts and emphasised the importance of integrating technological tools with conventional operations to achieve sustainable security outcomes.
The deployment of the drones has drawn positive responses from local leaders and communities, who view the initiative as a tangible articulation of government resolve to protect citizens and businesses across the state. Traditional rulers and civil society actors at the ceremony commended the enhanced cooperation between the government and security agencies, noting that improved surveillance and intelligence capabilities could help disrupt criminal networks before they threaten public peace.
Security analysts say the acquisition of high-capacity surveillance drones is consistent with broader trends in Nigeria and other African countries that are increasingly adopting unmanned aerial systems to overcome intelligence gaps — particularly in terrain where ground access is difficult and where early threat detection can be key to preventing violence.
With the drones now operational, authorities in Kogi State have urged residents to continue supporting intelligence gathering efforts by sharing credible information with security operatives, reinforcing the notion that public cooperation remains a critical part of advancing peace and security.
The unveiling of the two PH20 surveillance drones represents both a symbolic and practical milestone in Kogi State’s ongoing security strategy, signalling a stronger emphasis on technology, collaboration and proactive deterrence in confronting criminal threats across the region.
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