Gov Ododo Deploys Armoured Vehicles, GPMGs Against Criminals: “No Negotiation, We Will Flush Them Out”*
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to rid the state of criminal elements, announcing the deployment of additional Buffalo armoured vehicles and sophisticated weapons to strengthen the state’s security architecture.
The Governor made this known on Thursday during the inspection of newly delivered armoured vehicles and others that were repaired after sustaining damage during operations at the Government House, Lokoja.
Describing security as his top priority as the Chief Servant of Kogi State, Governor Ododo said the move was aimed at ensuring security agencies are fully equipped to sustain the fight against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
He recalled that his administration had earlier ordered 50 Buffalo armoured vehicles. While some were delivered earlier, another batch has now arrived alongside those successfully repaired by local engineers.
The Governor also disclosed that in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services, the state has procured about 30 General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) to be mounted on the vehicles for enhanced operations.
“We mean business. If they don’t want us to sleep, they too will never sleep. Kogi State is not a free market for criminals to come and operate. We will never negotiate with criminals, and we will never bow to their pressure. We will push them out completely,” he declared.
Governor Ododo commended the engineers for their professionalism in repairing the damaged vehicles, expressing confidence that the renewed assets would boost ongoing security operations across the state.
He also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to Kogi State and the nation’s security efforts, noting that the fight against criminality is already yielding positive results.
Speaking on the recent kidnapping at an illegal examination centre in Dekina LGA, the Governor described the incident as unfortunate. He explained that the so-called “Miracle Centre” was neither recognized nor registered by the state government.
According to him, the students involved were brought from outside the state for examination malpractice, while all legitimate centres in Kogi remain adequately secured.
He disclosed that one victim has been rescued, and security agencies have identified and are trailing the perpetrators. He expressed confidence that the remaining victims will be safely rescued and that those behind the illegal centre will face the full weight of the law.
Governor Ododo reiterated that his administration remains committed to making Kogi State unsafe for criminals while ensuring the safety of all law-abiding residents.
