By Correspondent in Lokoja.
The Kogi State Government has deployed troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade to Olle-Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of the state, following credible intelligence that armed bandits were attempting to infiltrate the community
This, security experts described as a bold and strategic crackdown on rising insecurity,
Our Correspondent gathered that the deployment, personally overseen by the State Security Adviser, Commander Duro Jerry Omodara (rtd), is part of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s renewed offensive to root out criminal elements across the state.
Retired Commander Omodara, addressing traditional rulers, youth leaders, and other community stakeholders during a high-level security visit to the area, declared that the state would not yield an inch of its territory to criminal gangs.
He warned sternly that anyone found aiding or abetting criminals,whether as informants, harborers, or transporters,would be treated as a direct threat to state security.
“This operation goes beyond chasing bandits.It sends a clear message: wherever they run, we will pursue them. Our communities must be safe—safe for growth, safe for our children, safe for our future,”Omodara said.
The Reporters recalls that Olle-Bunu was recently flagged as a potential escape corridor for criminal elements flushed out of neighboring flashpoints such as Odo-Ape, which has already been secured through joint operations involving the military, local hunters, and vigilante groups.
The Nigerian Army has now established a temporary forward operations base within Olle-Bunu to enhance surveillance and rapid response. Representing the Brigade Commander, Major Usman Mohammed, affirmed the army’s preparedness to neutralize all threats and commended the Kogi State Government for its unwavering support.
“We’re here on a mission,to ensure peace returns to every inch of this territory,” . “The support we’ve received from the state government is vital to this operation’s success,”Major Mohammed said.
Reacting to the development,Community leaders applauded the swift intervention.
Elder John Ebajemito, speaking on behalf of the Olle-Bunu community, pledged full cooperation with security forces and expressed gratitude to Governor Ododo for his proactive leadership.
“This government has shown that security is not a matter of negotiation,We are ready to partner with the army to ensure no criminal finds refuge here,”
,Ebajemito said.
The state government also issued a call for public vigilance with Commander Omodara emphasizing that effective intelligence gathering remains the backbone of internal security and urged residents to report any suspicious movements or individuals.
“Let no criminal feel safe. Let no informer sleep in peace,” . “This is our land—we must defend it together,”Omodara declared.
This decisive military deployment underscores Governor Ododo’s zero-tolerance policy on insecurity and his administration’s commitment to safeguarding every community across Kogi State.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
