By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Government House, Lokoja
November 267, 2025
The Executive Governor Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has unveiled a bold, far-reaching security blueprint, declaring that the state “will not bow to criminal intimidation,” as top traditional rulers, security agencies, and community leaders gathered at the Kogi State Peace and Security Council Meeting held on Thursday, in Government House, Lokoja.
Governor Ododo described the meeting as one of the most strategic security engagements in recent time which brought together influential stakeholders, including His Royal Majesty, Dr. Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, the Ohinoyi of Ebira, who delivered a strong message of unity, vigilance, and proactive community engagement.
In a firm action-oriented address, Governor Ododo emphasized his administration’s unwavering commitment to keeping Kogi safe. He announced immediate measures aimed at closing security gaps, especially in mining areas which he described as “potential magnets for criminal groups if left unregulated.”
The Governor outlined a 10-point security action plan, including:
1. Enhanced Intelligence & Surveillance, Ododo pledged to strengthen intelligence operations, boost surveillance, improve access to remote areas, and provide better logistics for rapid response teams.
2. Full Profiling of All Mining Operations
Citing the security risks around unregulated mining, he ordered a comprehensive profiling of all mining activities in the state—owners, locations, workers, output, and existing security arrangements.
3. One-Week Deadline for Mining Data, Local Government Chairmen must submit complete lists of mining sites and companies within one week, while mining and high-value companies must donate two Hilux vehicles each to the State Security Trust Fund within three months.
4. Strengthened Joint Security Operations, the Governor called on military, police, and paramilitary agencies to intensify collaboration, especially around forests, schools, worship centres, and mining corridors.
5. Support for Holiday Traffic and Road Safety
With Kogi being Nigeria’s major gateway, Ododo appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ongoing road projects and directed security agencies to support the FRSC from December 10, 2025, to January 15, 2026.
6. Increased Local Government Responsibility, the Chairmen are to hold regular security meetings, support vigilantes, and fast-track mining data collection.
7. Major Role for Traditional & Religious Leaders,
Traditional rulers are to monitor land use and identify new entrants in their domains, while religious leaders are urged to promote peace and suspend all night activities in worship centers for now.
8. Zero Tolerance for Criminal Hideouts, Ododo warned that any house harbouring criminals will face demolition,
9. Grassroots Sensitisation Campaign, the Ministry of Information will intensify public awareness to prevent misinformation and panic.
10. Unshakeable Resolve
“Kogi State will remain strong, united, and secure,” the Governor declared, calling for full cooperation from citizens, youths, vigilantes, miners, and security agencies.
Speaking after the Governor, the Ohinoyi of Ebira, His Royal Majesty Dr. Ahmed Tijani Mohammed Anaje, praised the administration’s leadership and called for stronger community cooperation.
He emphasized that security is a collective responsibility, urging citizens to stay alert, report suspicious movements, and secure their homes.
He praised the state for converting vigilante personnel into civil servants, an initiative he described as “strategic and timely” in strengthening the grassroots security structure and calls for Improved Support to Security Agencies.
Ohinoyi highlighted the daily sacrifices of security personnel and stressed the need for modern equipment,
continuous training for
improved welfare and
better collaboration
that could enhance response structures.
Addressing Root Causes of Crime, he urged the Government to tackle socio-economic drivers of insecurity by creating job opportunities, expanding quality education and promoting inclusive development that would in turn foster unity and tolerance in the State. Ododo Declares Tough Security Measures as Kogi Leaders Unite Against Rising Threats
By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Government House, Lokoja
November 267, 2025
The Executive Governor Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has unveiled a bold, far-reaching security blueprint, declaring that the state “will not bow to criminal intimidation,” as top traditional rulers, security agencies, and community leaders gathered at the Kogi State Peace and Security Council Meeting held on Thursday, in Government House, Lokoja.
Governor Ododo described the meeting as one of the most strategic security engagements in recent time which brought together influential stakeholders, including His Royal Majesty, Dr. Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, the Ohinoyi of Ebira, who delivered a strong message of unity, vigilance, and proactive community engagement.
In a firm action-oriented address, Governor Ododo emphasized his administration’s unwavering commitment to keeping Kogi safe. He announced immediate measures aimed at closing security gaps, especially in mining areas which he described as “potential magnets for criminal groups if left unregulated.”
The Governor outlined a 10-point security action plan, including:
1. Enhanced Intelligence & Surveillance, Ododo pledged to strengthen intelligence operations, boost surveillance, improve access to remote areas, and provide better logistics for rapid response teams.
2. Full Profiling of All Mining Operations
Citing the security risks around unregulated mining, he ordered a comprehensive profiling of all mining activities in the state—owners, locations, workers, output, and existing security arrangements.
3. One-Week Deadline for Mining Data, Local Government Chairmen must submit complete lists of mining sites and companies within one week, while mining and high-value companies must donate two Hilux vehicles each to the State Security Trust Fund within three months.
4. Strengthened Joint Security Operations, the Governor called on military, police, and paramilitary agencies to intensify collaboration, especially around forests, schools, worship centres, and mining corridors.
5. Support for Holiday Traffic and Road Safety
With Kogi being Nigeria’s major gateway, Ododo appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ongoing road projects and directed security agencies to support the FRSC from December 10, 2025, to January 15, 2026.
6. Increased Local Government Responsibility, the Chairmen are to hold regular security meetings, support vigilantes, and fast-track mining data collection.
7. Major Role for Traditional & Religious Leaders,
Traditional rulers are to monitor land use and identify new entrants in their domains, while religious leaders are urged to promote peace and suspend all night activities in worship centers for now.
8. Zero Tolerance for Criminal Hideouts, Ododo warned that any house harbouring criminals will face demolition,
9. Grassroots Sensitisation Campaign, the Ministry of Information will intensify public awareness to prevent misinformation and panic.
10. Unshakeable Resolve
“Kogi State will remain strong, united, and secure,” the Governor declared, calling for full cooperation from citizens, youths, vigilantes, miners, and security agencies.
Speaking after the Governor, the Ohinoyi of Ebira, His Royal Majesty Dr. Ahmed Tijani Mohammed Anaje, praised the administration’s leadership and called for stronger community cooperation.
He emphasized that security is a collective responsibility, urging citizens to stay alert, report suspicious movements, and secure their homes.
He praised the state for converting vigilante personnel into civil servants, an initiative he described as “strategic and timely” in strengthening the grassroots security structure and calls for Improved Support to Security Agencies.
Ohinoyi highlighted the daily sacrifices of security personnel and stressed the need for modern equipment,
continuous training for
improved welfare and
better collaboration
that could enhance response structures.
Addressing Root Causes of Crime, he urged the Government to tackle socio-economic drivers of insecurity by creating job opportunities, expanding quality education and promoting inclusive development that would in turn foster unity and tolerance in the State.
