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Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as massive investments in Nigeria’s security architecture, saying the President’s support for security agencies has significantly reduced criminal activities across Kogi State.
Governor Ododo made the remarks on Tuesday during an inspection visit to the newly established 21 Battalion Barracks in Anyigba, where he assessed operational facilities and interacted with military personnel.
The governor described the rapid establishment of the military formation as evidence of President Tinubu’s commitment to supporting state governments in tackling insecurity nationwide.
According to him, the presence of the military base has brought remarkable improvements to security in Kogi East, leading to a sharp decline in kidnapping, armed robbery, communal clashes and other criminal activities that previously threatened the region.
“I am here today to appreciate all the gallant officers who are making sacrifices daily to ensure that our people sleep with their two eyes closed. Since your arrival, the security situation in Kogi East has improved tremendously. Cases of kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities have reduced significantly,” Ododo said.
The governor declared that Kogi State was no longer a safe haven for criminals, stressing that there was no place for criminality anywhere in the state.
“Criminals now know that Kogi State is not a fertile land for them. There is no market for criminality in our state. We will continue to confront them until they have no hiding place,” he stated.
Ododo also praised President Tinubu for consistently supporting sub-national governments in the fight against insecurity.
“Mr President is doing well. He has supported the sub-national governments immensely. He cannot be in all the 36 states fighting criminals, so we serve as his foot soldiers. We are working together to ensure that every part of Kogi remains safe and secure,” he said.
The governor further disclosed that the Federal Government had approved the provision of air support for security operations whenever necessary, describing the intervention as a major boost to ongoing efforts against criminal elements.
“Mr President has graciously granted approval that whenever we need air support, it will be made available. This demonstrates his commitment to ensuring that security agencies have the resources required to effectively combat criminality,” he said.
Ododo also acknowledged the contributions of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services and other security chiefs for their coordinated efforts in restoring peace and stability.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in security, insisting that no amount of resources would be too much to protect lives and property.
“No amount of resources will be too much to deploy in saving lives. Our administration remains committed to supporting security agencies with everything necessary to protect our people. Security remains our top priority because without security, there can be no meaningful development,” he said.
The governor commended the Commanding Officer of the 21 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Godiya Solomon Monday, for his leadership and dedication, while praising officers and soldiers for their patriotism, courage and selfless service.
“You are rendering selfless service to Nigeria. We may not be able to adequately repay your sacrifices, but history will remember your commitment and dedication. We are proud of you and we will continue to stand firmly behind you,” he said.
Ododo assured military authorities of the Kogi State Government’s continued support to sustain recent gains in the fight against insecurity, particularly as farmers prepare for the planting season.
He urged troops to maintain the momentum and remain focused on protecting communities, expressing confidence that the combined efforts of the Federal Government, the military and other security agencies would ultimately defeat all threats to peace and stability in the state.
