ONOGWU Muhammed, Esq.
Lokoja, Kogi State
16th December, 2025
Bordered by ten states of the federation, including Kwara, Niger, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kogi State has had to contend with the prevailing waves of insecurity in the country, largely due to spillovers from neighbouring states.
Building on the solid security foundation laid by his predecessor, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has continued to keep the state fortified against criminal elements through strategic coordination, effective intelligence gathering, adequate logistics support, and strengthened synergy and consensus-driven collaboration among security agencies operating in the state.
The governor has repeatedly affirmed that Kogi State’s policy of non-negotiation with criminals remains firmly in place under his administration, stressing that the government will continue to confront all forms of insecurity wherever they occur within the state.
In a major victory against criminal elements, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on Tuesday announced the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition from criminal hideouts following a decisive joint security operation. Speaking to journalists in Lokoja, the governor disclosed that the breakthrough was the result of over a week of sustained, intelligence-driven surveillance carried out by security agencies in close coordination with the state government.
Governor Ododo explained that the intensified crackdown on criminal activities was further strengthened following a recent meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja, during which he briefed the President on the state’s security efforts. Subsequently, the state government regrouped with security agencies, harmonised strategies, and launched a coordinated overnight operation that uncovered a major criminal enclave and a significant stockpile of weapons.
The governor attributed lingering security challenges to Kogi State’s strategic location, noting that the state shares boundaries with ten others and serves as a major transit corridor with multiple entry and exit routes. He emphasised that all security agencies—including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Police Force, the military, and other security outfits—are working tirelessly to keep the state safe. He reaffirmed that the government would neither bow to nor negotiate with criminal elements.
Items recovered during the operation include 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 ammunition, and large quantities of other ammunition. Also recovered were handcuffs, holsters, tear gas cartridges, and SMG components. The governor urged residents to support security agencies with credible information, assured citizens that the security situation is under control, and expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the leadership of all collaborating security agencies for their unwavering support.
The 12 Brigade of the HQ Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy (NNS Lugard), the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Command, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), vigilante groups, and local hunters have continued to play critical roles in combating crime across the state. Their tireless sacrifices, patriotism, and commitment to safeguarding lives and property are deeply appreciated.
