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By Maryam Abubakar Gulma, Lokoja.
The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Monday unveiled two 2HP-20 state-of-the-art security drones at the Chari Maigumeri Barracks, Lokoja, as part of his administration’s intensified dri inve to combat insecurity across the state.
(C) Facebook.
Governor Ododo said the drones are equipped with advanced surveillance, monitoring and rapid-response capabilities designed to enhance intelligence-led security operations.
According to him, the platforms can operate across difficult terrains, penetrate forested hideouts, support real-time intelligence gathering and, where necessary, enable precision-led operations against terrorists and bandits.
“These drones provide early detection of suspicious movements, improve coordination among security agencies and allow faster, intelligence-driven deployment of forces,” the governor said.
“This investment marks a major step forward in strengthening our security architecture and ensuring that criminals have no hiding place in Kogi State.”
Reiterating his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on criminality, Ododo declared that the government would neither negotiate with criminals nor surrender any community to bandits or terrorists.
“Let me be very clear: this administration will not submit to criminality.
“Koogi State will not negotiate with criminals. Government must be in charge,not bandits, not kidnappers, not criminal sponsors. We are fully prepared to confront and defeat all criminal elements operating within our territory,”he said.
He noted that Kogi’s strategic location as the gateway between the North and the South places a special responsibility on the state to secure its borders, forests and movement corridors, which have in the past been targeted by criminal elements displaced from other regions.
“We studied the threats carefully and responded with action, not excuses,” Ododo added, warning criminal groups that “their time is running out.”
The governor said the drones feature mission versatility, advanced sensors, target designation capability, electronic warfare support, logistics functions and rugged design for high-endurance operations.
He described their acquisition as a clear demonstration of the state government’s unwavering commitment to tackling all forms of crime.
Beyond technology, Ododo highlighted complementary measures taken by his administration, including the recruitment of 2,750 vigilante operatives into state service, engagement of local hunters across the 21 local government areas to access difficult terrains, and the procurement and distribution of security vans, patrol vehicles and motorcycles to boost mobility and response.
“We will continue to upgrade both the human and technical components of our security framework,” he said, adding that the drones would help monitor forests and neutralise threats before they escalate.
Governor Ododo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to national security and enhanced inter-agency collaboration, which he said has boosted security operations in the state. He also praised Commander Jerry Omadara (rtd.) for his dedication to the fight against insecurity and appreciated federal-level stakeholders for their support.
He urged residents to support intelligence gathering efforts to enable businesses to thrive and families to live in peace, while expressing gratitude to security commanders, vigilante leaders, hunters and the general public.
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. W. Shaibu, represented by Major General A.O. Abaye,commended Governor Ododo for his support to military operations and the confidence reposed in the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
He described the acquisition of the drones as laudable, noting that it complements the Federal Government’s efforts to enhance security nationwide, and praised the government and people of Kogi State for their cooperation.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
