Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has declared that the security reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu are beginning to produce tangible results across Nigeria.
Intelligence-Led Operation Uncovers Arsenal
Ododo made this assertion in Lokoja, the state capital, on Tuesday, following the successful recovery of a significant stockpile of arms and ammunition. The governor briefed journalists, explaining that the discovery was the outcome of over a week of intelligence-driven surveillance conducted by security agencies with the full backing of the Kogi State Government.
He revealed that a coordinated overnight operation led security operatives to a major criminal hideout where the weapons were meticulously concealed. Although no arrests were made during the raid, Ododo described the seizure as a strategic and critical breakthrough in the ongoing battle against crime and insecurity.
Presidential Directive Re-Energised Crackdown
Governor Ododo linked the recent aggressive crackdown to a meeting he held with President Tinubu. He admitted that he had expected commendation but instead received a directive to focus on intelligence-driven operations rather than seeking accolades.
"That re-energized and redirected me," Ododo disclosed. "We immediately regrouped, met with the security agencies, harmonised our strategies and acted decisively on credible intelligence. We tested the strategy, and the results have been wonderful."
He expressed gratitude to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, for their pivotal support. "The support we got from the NSA and DSS DG greatly helped the joint security team the Kogi State Government set up to achieve results," he stated.
Kogi's Strategic Challenge and Government Resolve
Ododo attributed the persistence of criminal activities partly to Kogi's unique geography. He stressed that the state shares boundaries with ten other states, making it a critical corridor with multiple entry and exit routes that criminals exploit.
Despite this challenge, the governor issued a firm declaration of the state's readiness. "Kogi State is fully alert. The DSS, the police, the military, the Navy and all other security agencies are working relentlessly, day and night. We will never bow to criminals, and we will never negotiate with them," he vowed.
He called on residents to actively support security agencies by providing timely, accurate, and credible information, assuring them of the government's unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
The extensive list of recovered items includes:
- 24 AK-47 rifles
- 23 pump-action rifles
- One Tavor rifle and one FN rifle
- Four Barrett pistols and four Browning rifles
- 42 magazines
- 520 rounds of GPMG 7.62 ammunition
- Large quantities of AK-47 ammunition and cartridges for pump-action and Barrett pistols
- 13 holsters, tear gas cartridges, and submachine gun (SMG) components
