Insecurity: Kogi Distributes 105 Operational Vehicles, 42 Motorcycles to Tackle Criminal Elements in 21 LGAs

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

As part of efforts to tackle insecurity and repositioning the security architecture in Kogi State, the state government has distributed no fewer than 105 operational vehicles and 42 motorcycles to the 21 Local government areas of the state .
The State governor, Usman Ododo disclosed this while speaking at the  inauguration of the Security Operational vans for the Kogi  Vigilance Service and Local hunters at Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre in Lokoja at weekend

The governor stated  that in line with determination to make Kogi State safe , Ododo handed over one hundred and five Sienna Buses and forty two motorcycles to the 21 Local Government Areas chairmen in the state as operational vehicles for security reason.
His words: “These operational security vehicles which is the first installment of several hundreds to be provided over the next few weeks will advance the safety and security of lives and property in all parts of the state as it stands as one of our most significant operational response yet to recent upsurge in criminal activities in some parts of the state.

“Recall that during my inauguration, I promised to embark on people-oriented programmes and projects that will directly touch the lives of our people. No doubt, to achieve the objectives of our programmes and policies, Kogi State must remain safe and secure for everyone.

“Therefore, the recent launch of the Metropolitan Quick Response in Lokoja and other major towns in the state and this unveiling of operational vehicles are among series of evolving security measures geared towards ensuring that we keep our environment safe and to build on the solid foundation of the security architecture laid by the immediate past administration in the state.
“As we embark on consistent review of the security situation in the state, let me state unequivocally that our resolve to maintain law and order in all parts of the state is total and the fight against criminals in our state must be won.

“We cannot, and we will not allow criminal elements to undermine the progress and prosperity we have worked so hard to achieve in our state.”
Ododo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to reverse the spate of inherited security challenges in the country.
Further according to him, “As a government, we are in total support of Mr. President in his determination to take the fight to the terrorists in all parts of the county as we have seen in recent onslaughts to degrade cells of bandits and terrorists across Nigeria.

“We want to further assure Mr. President that we are fully committed to a comprehensive approach to address security challenges in the state and our country in general and we shall stand shoulder to shoulder with Mr. President to identify and bring remnant of these criminals and their sponsors to justice in no time.

“Mr. President is aware of the strategic implications of any breach of security in Kogi as a gateway state to the North and the South and that is why he is giving us all the support required to ensure the security of lives and property in all corners of the state.

“As such, this new addition to our security master plan will involve all security agencies feeding from the credible intelligence and direct community engagement with our people in the farms, markets, homes and every part of the community to ensure that our people are safe to engage in legitimate economic activities.

“Our efforts to guarantee food security by feeding our people and producing for other states in the country is tied to the security of lives and property and in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.

“Therefore, our renewed onslaught against criminals in the state will be operational in all communities with the ability to provide 24 hours response by a joint team of vigilante service men and conventional security agencies to enhance intelligence gathering and shorter response time to distress calls as a model for community policing in Nigeria.”