•Ahmed Ododo
The Kogi State governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, unveiled over 120 new sets of security vehicles and 44 motorcycles today to enhance the efficiency of community policing in all 21 local government areas in the state.
The new set of security vehicles distributed to all 21 local government areas in the state is aimed at boosting the community policing initiative of the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo through the Kogi State vigilante service, reports Nigerian Tribune.
It is also part of measures to lay the foundation for a new template for community policing as part of the security architecture in Kogi State.
In his address, the governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, said this measure was taken to curb the excesses of criminals in all 21 local government areas in the state.
He added that this will enable the vigilantes across the state to move from point to point in their various domains.
He assured that security is very important in any society and that his administration is responsible for effective policing in the state.
He urged the vigilantes to operate within the law and should not be involved in any criminal activities in their various communities, as he assured them that the state government was already working on their welfare.
The governor further stated that each local government area is entitled to 5 vehicles and 2 motorcycles each.
A total of 120 vehicles were distributed, while 42 motorcycles were also distributed.
Governor Ododo further announced that in the next few days, more vehicles will be distributed to other security agencies in the state.
He assured the vigilantes that by next week he would announce the new commander of the vigilantes.
His words: “No doubt, to achieve the objectives of our programmes and policies, Kogi State must remain safe and secure for everyone.
“Therefore, the recent launch of the Metropolitan Quick Response in Lokoja and other major towns in the state and this unveiling of operational vehicles are among a series of evolving security measures geared towards ensuring that we keep our environment safe and building on the solid foundation of the security architecture laid by the immediate past administration in the state.
“As we embark on a consistent review of the security situation in the state, let me state unequivocally that our resolve to maintain law and order in all parts of the state is total, and the fight against criminals in our state must be won. We cannot, and we will not allow criminal elements to undermine the progress and prosperity we have worked so hard to achieve in our state.
He therefore commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) for his unwavering commitment to reverse the spate of inherited security challenges in the country.
“As a government, we are in total support of Mr President in his determination to take the fight to the terrorists in all parts of the country, as we have seen in recent onslaughts to degrade cells of bandits and terrorists across Nigeria.
“We want to further assure Mr President that we are fully committed to a comprehensive approach to addressing security challenges in the state and our country in general, and we shall stand shoulder to shoulder with Mr President to identify and bring the remnants of these criminals and their sponsors to justice in no time.
“Mr President is aware of the strategic implications of any breach of security in Kogi as a gateway state to the North and the South, and that is why he is giving us all the support required to ensure the security of lives and property in all corners of the state.
“As such, this new addition to our security master plan will involve all security agencies feeding on credible intelligence and direct community engagement with our people in the farms, markets, homes, and every part of the community to ensure that our people are safe to engage in legitimate economic activities.
