Ododo Inspects Armoured Security Vehicles, Deploys More Firepower Against Criminals, Vows: “We Will Never Negotiate with Criminals

By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Government House – Lokoja
July 16, 2026

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to securing lives and property, declaring that his government is strengthening its security architecture with additional armoured vehicles and sophisticated weapons to flush out criminal elements from the state.

Governor Ododo made the declaration on Thursday while inspecting newly delivered Buffalo armoured vehicles and others that had been repaired after sustaining damage during operations against criminals at the Government House in Lokoja.

Describing security as his foremost responsibility as the Chief Servant of Kogi State, the Governor said the inspection was part of efforts to ensure that security agencies are fully equipped to sustain the fight against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

He recalled that his administration had earlier ordered 50 Buffalo armoured vehicles, noting that some were delivered immediately, while another batch has now arrived alongside those successfully repaired by local engineers.

Governor Ododo further disclosed that the Kogi State Government, working through the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS), has procured about 30 General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) to be mounted on the armoured vehicles for enhanced operational effectiveness.

“We mean business. If they don’t want us to sleep, they too will never sleep. Kogi State is not a free market for criminals to come and operate. We will never negotiate with criminals, and we will never bow to their pressure. We will push them out completely,” the Governor declared.

He commended the engineers handling the repairs of the damaged vehicles for their professionalism, expressing confidence that the renewed security assets would further strengthen ongoing operations across the state.

Governor Ododo also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to Kogi State and the nation’s security efforts, expressing optimism that the fight against criminality is yielding positive results.

Speaking on the recent kidnapping incident involving candidates at an illegal examination centre in Dekina Local Government Area, the Governor described the development as unfortunate, explaining that the so-called “Miracle Centre” was neither recognised nor registered by the Kogi State Government.

According to him, the students involved were brought from outside the state to engage in examination malpractice, insisting that legitimate examination centres across Kogi State are adequately secured.

He disclosed that one victim has already been rescued while security agencies have identified and are trailing those responsible for the abduction, expressing confidence that the remaining victims would be safely rescued and that those behind the illegal centre would face the full weight of the law.

Governor Ododo reiterated that his administration remains resolute in its determination to make Kogi State unsafe for criminals while ensuring the safety and security of every law-abiding resident.