In a bid to beat security challenges in Kogi State, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has procured and unveiled security drones, saying the move is part of his administration’s firm commitment to protecting lives and properties across the State.
Governor Ododo stated this on Monday at 12 Brigade , Lokoja, the State Capital while unveiling the security drones, adding that the gathering was strategic, deliberate and deeply connected to their governing philosophy of firm leadership, territorial control and zero tolerance for criminality.
“This unveiling is a clear statement of our resolve that the safety of every Kogite remains our top priority. These drones have advanced surveillance, monitoring, and response capabilities. They can operate in difficult terrains, penetrate forested hideouts, support real-time intelligence gathering, and where necessary, enable precision -led operations against terrorists and bandits. They provide early detection of suspicious movements, improve coordination between security agencies, and allow faster, intelligence -driven deployment of forces. This investment marks a major step forward in strengthening our security architecture and ensuring that criminals have no hiding place in Kogi State.
“Let me be very clear here: this administration will not submit to criminality. We have said it before, and we will say it again today, Kogi State will not negotiate with criminals. We will not surrender our communities. We will not allow bandits or terrorists to take over any part of our land. Government must be in charge, not bandits, not kidnappers, not criminal sponsors. Our government is fully prepared to confront, attack, and defeat all criminal elements operating within our territory.
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” If any criminal group was in doubt about our determination, the unveiling of these drones should clear that doubt. To the criminals, I say this plainly: your time is running out. Kogi State’s strategic location as the gateway between the North and the South makes security a serious responsibility. Our forests, borders, and movement corridors have in the past been targeted by criminal elements displaced from other regions. We studied these threats carefully and we responded with action, not excuses.
“Over the last two years, our administration has recorded clear achievements in the security sector. We have built a strong, intelligence -led security framework that combines technology, community participation, inter -agency cooperation, and political will. Today, Kogi State stands as the most peaceful state in the North Central zone, and we are determined to be the safest state in Nigeria.
“We strengthened grassroots intelligence by building security structures across all 239 political wards. We formally absorbed 2,752 Vigilante Service personnel into the civil service to improve welfare, discipline, and professionalism. We recruited and equipped hunters across the 21 local government areas to support operations in forests and hard -to-reach areas. We have also sustained clearance operations in several flashpoints, reclaiming territories previously threatened by criminal elements.
“We constructed and equipped a Quick Response Unit to ensure rapid deployment to security threats. We procured and distributed patrol vehicles, operational vans, thousands of motorcycles, bulletproof vests, helmets, communication gadgets, and other equipment to enhance mobility, safety, and effectiveness. Today’s unveiling of these drones builds on these efforts. It strengthens our ability to see threats early, respond faster, deny criminals territory, and protect our people better.
“From our clearance operations and lawful interceptions, we have seen how criminals adapt, relocate, and regroup. That is why we are constantly upgrading our human and technical intelligence. Security is dynamic, and as criminals evolve, we will continue to stay ahead of them. The drones unveiled today will allow us to monitor forests, track movements, disrupt criminal supply routes, and neutralise threats before they mature.
“We sympathise deeply with those affected by criminal activities. Our hearts are with you. Let me assure you: this government is in full control. We are determined, we are prepared, and we will secure every Kogi citizen”, he said.
