Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has called for greater collaboration among security agencies, local authorities, and community stakeholders to strengthen the fight against crime in the state.
Speaking during a strategic security meeting at the Government House in Lokoja with Local Government Chairmen, members of the State Vigilante Service, and professional hunters, Governor Ododo emphasized the importance of a united front in addressing security challenges across all parts of Kogi.
Specia Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah quoted the Governor to have indicated,
“We must foster deeper cooperation among all security stakeholders to uphold our zero-tolerance policy on crime. Security is a shared responsibility, and we need everyone working together to safeguard our communities,” Governor Ododo said.
The meeting explored new strategies to improve security coordination, particularly in rural areas where conventional security agencies have limited presence. Discussions focused on enhancing community involvement, boosting intelligence sharing, and ensuring swift responses to security threats.
Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area and head of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kogi, Tosin Olokun lauded the Governor’s initiative.
He described it as a vital move towards strengthening grassroots security, highlighting the role of vigilante groups and professional hunters in complementing formal security structures.
“Governor Ododo’s decision to engage local security operatives underscored his commitment to protecting every part of the state. This collaborative approach will significantly improve our ability to tackle crime, especially in hard-to-reach areas,” Olokun stated.
The Kogi State Government has recently overhauled the Vigilante Service and professional hunting groups, equipping them with better resources and welfare packages.
This revamp has made these groups instrumental in maintaining law and order at the grassroots, addressing operational challenges, and enhancing the overall security landscape of the state.