Kogi Procures 50 Armoured Vehicles to Strengthen Security Operations

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has procured 50 armoured vehicles to strengthen security operations across the state, with the assets already being deployed to flashpoint areas.

The governor spoke on Saturday in Lokoja while inspecting the newly acquired Armoured Personnel Carriers and other security assets at the Government House.

He said safeguarding lives and property remains the foremost obligation of his administration and a covenant made with the people of Kogi upon assuming office.

Ododo disclosed that after a recent security engagement with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his administration returned with renewed resolve to sustain peace and intensify operations against criminal networks.

He said recent attacks in some communities, including Iluke, were successfully repelled through coordinated efforts among security agencies and proactive security measures.

The governor warned that criminal gangs had become more sophisticated, adopting technologies such as drones and coordinated attacks, but maintained that security agencies were adjusting strategies to confront emerging threats.

He said his administration would not pay ransom to any group and would not surrender any part of the state to criminals, urging communities to support security agencies with credible information.

The procurement is the latest in a series of state-level security investments in Nigeria, with several governors also acquiring vehicles and equipment to support joint operations against banditry and kidnapping in their states.

Federal authorities have continued to urge sub-national governments to complement national security efforts with local intelligence, logistics and rapid response support for federal security agencies operating in their domains.

Sources: Channels Television, LEADERSHIP, Punch, Tribune, Kogi State Government