- Governor Usman Ododo has declared that Kogi State will not negotiate with criminals, promising instead to “crush and defeat” those who threaten the peace.
- Addressing a security summit in Abuja, Ododo highlighted Kogi’s unique position as a central link between Northern and Southern Nigeria, making its stability vital for the security of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
- The state has significantly upgraded its security architecture, deploying drones, AI-integrated surveillance, and advanced communication systems to enhance intelligence gathering.
In a stern warning to insurgent groups and local criminal networks, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo has rejected the option of amnesty or peace deals.
Eko Hot Blog reports that speaking at the Kogi State Security Summit and Fundraising event on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the Governor emphasized that his mandate is to protect citizens, not “pamper” enemies of the state.
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“Those who disturb our peace will not enjoy peace,” Ododo stated. He argued that Kogi’s geographic centralism makes it a target for infiltration, but insisted that the restructuring of the Kogi State Security Trust Fund would provide the necessary resources to repel these threats.
He urged the business community and private investors to support the fund, noting that “if there is no peace in Kogi, it will affect Abuja.”
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, echoed these sentiments through a representative, stating that President Bola Tinubu has prioritized security as a central pillar of his administration.
The Federal Government is currently deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to address national challenges, with Shettima warning that “a serious nation does not wait for danger to mature before it begins to think.”
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State also contributed to the summit, sharing lessons from a decade of counter-insurgency.
While Zulum praised the use of modern technology like robotics and drones, he warned that force alone is insufficient.
He urged leaders to address the “structural drivers” of insecurity, namely poverty, illiteracy, and infrastructure deficits, without which he believes the cycle of violence will never truly end.
