The Kogi State government has declared the state a no go area for criminally minded people and praised the government at the centre for strengthening security architecture across the country.
Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo has commended President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, especially in Kogi State. Governance
He said that the President’s strategic investments and support of security agencies have drastically reduced criminal activities in the state.
Ododo made the comments during a recent inspection visit to the newly established 21 Battalion Barracks in Anyigba, Kogi State, where he inspected operational facilities and interacted with the military personnel deployed to the area.
The Governor, who was impressed by the level of operational readiness and the speed of establishment of the military formation, noted that the barracks was a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s will to support sub-national governments in the fight against insecurity in the country.
He said the deployment of the military formation has made tremendous progress in the area of security in Kogi East, resulting in drastic reduction in cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, communal conflicts and other criminal activities that hitherto threatened the peace of the area.
His words: “I am here today to appreciate all the gallant officers who are making sacrifices on a daily basis to ensure that our people sleep with their two eyes closed. The security situation in Kogi East has improved tremendously since you came. “Kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities have been greatly reduced.”
The Governor said criminals have come to realize that Kogi State is no longer a conducive environment for their operations, adding that there is no market for criminality anywhere within the state.
“Now criminals know that Kogi State is not a good place to operate from. There is no market for crime in our state. “We will continue to confront them until there is no place to hide,” he said.
Commending President Tinubu for giving critical support to states in the fight against insecurity, Ododo said the President had proved a practical commitment to securing lives and property across the federation.
“The president is doing fine. He has been very supportive towards the sub-national Governments. He can’t be everywhere fighting criminals in all the 36 states so we are his foot soldiers. “We are working together to make sure that every part of Kogi is safe and secured.
He also said the Federal Government under President Tinubu had approved needed air support for security operations whenever required, describing the intervention as a major boost to the ongoing efforts against criminal elements.
“Mr. President has been kind enough to give the go-ahead that whenever we need air support, it will be supplied. This shows his commitment to ensure that security agencies have the resources needed to effectively fight criminality.”
Ododo also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser under Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Chief of Army Staff, Inspector General of Police, Director General of the Department of State Services and other security chiefs for their collaborative role in restoring peace and stability.
The Governor reiterated his government’s determination to continue to make massive investments in security, saying no amount of resources would be too much to protect lives and property. Government
“We will not spare any resources in saving lives. We continue to support security agencies with whatever they need in order to protect our people. “Security is our number one priority because without security there can be no meaningful development,” he said.
Responding, Ododo commended the Commanding Officer of the 21 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Godiya Solomon Monday for his leadership and dedication, while congratulating the officers and soldiers for their patriotism, courage and selfless service to the nation.
He said: “You are rendering selfless service to Nigeria. Although we may not be able to adequately repay your sacrifices, history will bear witness to your commitment and dedication. “We are proud of you and we’re going to stand strong behind you.”
The Governor assured military authorities that the state Government would continue to give all necessary support required to sustain the gains recorded so far in the fight against insecurity, especially as the planting season approaches.
He charged the troops to sustain the momentum and remain focused on their mandate of protecting communities from criminal elements, adding that the combined efforts of the Federal Government, the military and other security agencies would eventually defeat all threats to peace and stability in the state.
