Troops of 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army have been deployed to Olle-Bunu in Kabba/Bunu local government area of Kogi State to curb the tide of banditry confronting the area and its environs.
The deployment, which followed credible intelligence regarding fleeing armed bandits attempting to infiltrate the community.
Deployment of the troops was formalised during a visit by Commander Duro Jerry Omodara (rtd), the Security Adviser to Governor Usman Ododo.
Omodara at the meeting delivered a clear message to the criminal elements in the state, insisting that “Kogi will not cede an inch of its territory to criminals.”
The move was part of Governor Ododo’s comprehensive and aggressive approach to securing lives and property across the state.
With major flashpoints like Odo-Ape which has already been sealed off through a joint security operations comprising the military, hunters, and vigilante groups as Olle-Bunu had emerged as a potential escape corridor for displaced criminal elements.
Commander Omodara, while addressing traditional rulers, youth leaders, and community stakeholders during the visit, warned that anyone aiding or abetting criminals as informants, transporters, or those harbouring them would be treated as an enemy of the state.
“This deployment is not just about chasing bandits. It’s a strong message that wherever they run, we will follow. Our communities must be safe for development, safe for our children, and safe for our future,” he said.
The Nigerian Army has since established a temporary forward operations base in the community and ramped up patrols and surveillance.
Major Usman Mohammed, who represented the Brigade Commander, reiterated the army’s readiness to confront threats and praised the government for its support.
Speaking on behalf of the Olle-Bunu people, Elder John Ebajemito pledged full cooperation with security forces and thanked Governor Ododo for his proactive leadership.
“This government has shown that security is not negotiable. We will work hand-in-hand with the army to ensure that no criminal finds refuge in Olle-Bunu,” he assured.
The Kogi State Government also urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agents.
According to the Security Adviser, community intelligence remains the soul of effective security, and stressed that every citizen has a role to play.
“Let no criminal feel safe. Let no informer sleep in peace. This is our home. We must defend it together,” Omodara charged.
