Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has declared the state a "no-go area" for criminals, reaffirming his administration's commitment to strengthening security and protecting lives and property.
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| Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo addressing stakeholders on security and crime prevention in Lokoja. |
LOKOJA, KOGI STATE – July 3, 2026
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has declared that the state is no longer a safe haven for criminal elements, reaffirming his administration's commitment to sustaining security operations and protecting residents across the state.
The governor stated that ongoing security interventions have significantly reduced criminal activities in many parts of Kogi, making the state increasingly hostile to kidnappers, armed robbers, bandits, and other criminal groups.
He assured residents that the government would continue working closely with security agencies to consolidate the gains already recorded in the fight against insecurity.
Governor Ododo said criminal groups have come to realise that Kogi is no longer conducive for their operations due to sustained intelligence-led security measures and coordinated enforcement efforts.
"There is no market for criminality anywhere within Kogi State," the governor said, stressing that his administration would not relent in pursuing individuals and groups seeking to threaten public peace.
He attributed the relative improvement in security to the collaboration between the state government, the military, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local vigilante groups, and traditional institutions.
According to the governor, the collective efforts of these stakeholders have enhanced intelligence gathering, improved rapid response, and strengthened surveillance across vulnerable communities.
Ododo said the state government has continued to invest in logistics, operational support, and intelligence sharing to strengthen the capacity of security agencies.
He noted that regular security meetings involving heads of security agencies and local government authorities have also improved coordination in responding to emerging threats.
The governor explained that security remains one of the key priorities of his administration because sustainable development cannot be achieved without peace and stability.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities promptly.
Kogi State occupies a strategic position as a gateway connecting Nigeria's northern and southern regions.
The state shares boundaries with several states, making it an important transit corridor for commercial transportation and interstate travel.
Security experts have observed that the state's geographical location also presents unique policing challenges, particularly in monitoring highways and forested areas sometimes exploited by criminal groups.
In recent years, authorities have intensified operations along major highways linking Lokoja to Abuja, Benin, Enugu, and other parts of the country following concerns over kidnapping and armed robbery.
Many residents have welcomed the governor's reassurance, saying improved security is essential for economic growth and investment.
Commercial transport operators also expressed optimism that sustained security operations would enhance confidence among travelers and reduce fears associated with highway journeys.
Business owners noted that a secure environment encourages commerce, attracts investors, and supports job creation.
However, some stakeholders urged the government to sustain security funding and complement enforcement efforts with youth empowerment programmes, employment opportunities, and community policing initiatives to address some of the underlying causes of crime.
Security analysts say while intensified law enforcement remains important, lasting peace requires continuous investment in intelligence gathering, technology, community engagement, and socio-economic development.
They also stressed the importance of collaboration among neighbouring states in combating cross-border criminal activities, particularly kidnapping syndicates and organised armed groups operating across state boundaries.
The governor reiterated that his administration would continue to strengthen partnerships with federal security agencies while ensuring that Kogi remains safe for residents, businesses, and visitors.
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