Kogi Security Summit: Dangote, Yari Pledge Billions as Ododo Vows No Negotiations with Terrorists

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has declared zero tolerance for criminality, vowing that his administration will not negotiate with terrorists or kidnappers.

Ododo made the declaration at the Kogi State Security Summit and Fundraising event in Abuja on Tuesday, where stakeholders from government and the private sector pledged billions of naira to support the state’s Security Trust Fund initiative.

“I will not negotiate with criminals. I was not elected to pamper enemies of our peace. Those who choose crime must be ready to face the full weight of the law,” Ododo said.

Dangote and Yari pledge billions

The summit attracted significant financial commitments. Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Chairman of Geregu Power Plc and Chief Launcher, donated ₦500 million and pledged 10 operational vehicles, 20 drones, and additional logistics support.

The Dangote Group contributed ₦250 million and promised further equipment and logistics support. Seven governors, either present or represented, each pledged ₦100 million. Several corporate organisations operating in Kogi State also made financial commitments running into billions of naira.

The Security Trust Fund initiative aims to raise ₦500 billion to finance intelligence-driven security operations across the state.

Shettima warns of saboteurs

Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, warned that entrenched forces are actively working to destabilise Nigeria. He called them “agents of chaos and profiteers of conflict” who profit from instability.

“We cannot afford complacency. The enemies of peace are organised, deliberate and adaptive. They are always lurking in the shadows to sabotage every effort to restore order and secure lives and livelihoods,” Shettima said.

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, drawing from his state’s experience, said Borno had reduced insurgency by over 90 percent through a combination of security operations and socio-economic interventions. He urged governments to prioritise job creation, education, infrastructure, and poverty reduction alongside security measures.

The summit is expected to establish security logistics bases across Kogi’s three senatorial districts to improve rapid response capabilities.

Sources: The Sun, The Nation, ThisDay, Frank Talk