Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has distributed protective gadgets to One Thousand and Fifty hunters recruited by his administration at the Government House in Lokoja.
The Governor at the ceremony on Thursday urged the Hunters to exhibit high level of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
His Special Adviser on Media Ismaila Isah in a statement quoted the Governor ti have expressed his administration’s commitment to dealing decisively with criminal elements who may wish to cause any breach of peace and security across the State.
The Governor stated that the State will not be turned into a breeding ground for criminals and called for collective efforts to wipe out criminals in the state.
He charged the hunters to remain professional by assisting other security agencies in combating crimes in the State.
“As Kogites, we must protect ourselves. If we don’t do it, nobody will do it for us. Kogi State is not a free zone for criminals.
Our faith in people-led security approach as a new strategy to combat crime is clear manifestation of our determination to recalibrate our security architecture” the Governor said.
In his address, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police Bertrand Onuoha disclosed that the recruitment of the local hunters and the provision of the protective items will assist conventional security agencies in the State to combat insecurity.
While expressing appreciation to the Governor for his foresight in securing lives and property, the Commissioner called for synergy between security agencies and the hunters, adding that their knowledge of the local communities will complement the role of the conventional security agencies in the State.
He directed Area Commanders in the state to make use of vigilantes and hunters in intelligence gathering.
In his remarks, the State Security Adviser, Commodore Jerry Omodara (Retired) applauded the state government for the community-based approach in fighting crime.
He noted that the recruitment of hunters to provide local intelligence based on their understanding of the communities where they will be deployed to serve is a game changer in the war against crime and criminalities in the state.
The Kogi State House of Assembly had approved the recruitment of 1,050 hunters with 50 from each of the 21 local government areas on the 19th of June, 2024.