Published by Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
LOKOJA, Nigeria – The Kogi State Government has announced the procurement of 50 armoured vehicles as part of intensified efforts to combat banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo declaring that no amount of resources is too much to spend on protecting the lives and property of citizens.
The governor made the announcement on Saturday, June 13, 2026, while inspecting the first batch of five armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and other security assets at the Government House in Lokoja. He said the acquisition is aimed at boosting the operational capacity of security agencies and providing better protection for personnel during patrols and other security operations, particularly in areas affected by criminal activities.
Ododo said the armoured vehicles will be deployed to security agencies operating within the state to support patrol activities and improve their ability to respond to security threats. He noted that the decision to procure the vehicles followed a physical assessment of the security situation in Iluke community, where recent criminal activities raised concerns among residents and government officials.
The governor disclosed that he recently briefed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the security situation in Kogi State and received strong backing from the president to intensify efforts against criminal activities. According to him, shortly after his return to the state, armed criminals launched an attack in parts of the state, a move he described as an attempt to test the resolve of the government and security agencies.
“On June 10, barely a day after my return, they struck. But by the grace of God and through the coordinated efforts of our security architecture, they met stiff resistance. Our security personnel responded effectively, and today one of the notorious criminal kingpins, popularly known as Batijo, is no more,” the governor said.
Ododo, who personally visited Iluke community on June 11 to assess the security situation firsthand, said he does not rely solely on reports but prefers to examine the terrain and realities on the ground himself. “As a field worker, I do not wait for second-hand information. I went to the communities myself, assessed the terrain and the situation on the ground, and concluded that we must act decisively before these criminals take advantage of our people,” he stated.
The governor warned that criminal groups have become increasingly sophisticated, employing modern technology such as drones and operating in coordinated networks. However, he assured residents that security forces are adapting to these evolving tactics. “Bandits are changing their methods and using modern technology, but we have studied their operations and are responding effectively. We are taking the fight to them and dismantling their networks,” he said.
Ododo ruled out any possibility of negotiating with criminals or paying ransom to secure the release of victims, insisting that government resources would be better utilised in equipping security agencies to confront and defeat criminal groups. “I will never negotiate with criminals, and I will never pay ransom to bandits. Resources should be used to strengthen our security agencies and eliminate these threats permanently,” he declared.
The governor commended the efforts of local hunters, vigilante groups, the Nigerian Army, the Police, the Department of State Services and other security agencies for their collaboration in maintaining peace and security in the state. “We have ordered 50 armoured fighting vehicles. What you are seeing here is the first batch of five. More will arrive in the coming weeks. No amount of resources spent on securing the lives of our people can be considered too much. The protection of human life remains our highest priority,” he stated.
The state government said the initiative underscores its commitment to creating a safer environment for residents, businesses and communities across Kogi State, representing a significant step towards strengthening the fight against crime and restoring public confidence in the state’s security architecture.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com ✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments