NSA, DSS Helping To Tackle Insecurity In Kogi, Says Governor Ododo

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, has attributed the successes recorded in the state against insecurity to the support of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies.

The governor, who applauded the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi, as well as the heads of other security agencies for driving the security reforms, noted that the recent fight against insecurity led to the recovery of massive arms.

According to the governor, weapons recovered during the recent operation include 24 AK-47 rifles, 23 pump-action rifles, one Tavor rifle, one FN rifle, four Beretta pistols, four Browning rifles, 42 magazines, 520 rounds of 7.62mm GPMG ammunition, and large quantities of AK-47 ammunition and cartridges for pump-action rifles and Beretta pistols.

Also recovered were several handcuffs, 13 holsters, tear gas cartridges and submachine gun components.

The governor said the operation was part of a broader security strategy aimed at denying criminals in the state access to weapons and logistics.

He disclosed that the resolve of his government to fight insecurity came on the heels of a recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu, who challenged him to key into the new strategy, which will help him better secure the lives and property of the people of his state.

“When I met Mr President, I expected commendation. But he told me that he’s more focused on intelligence-driven operations. That re-energised and redirected me. We immediately regrouped, met with the security agencies, harmonised our strategies and acted decisively on credible intelligence. We put the strategy to the test, and the results have been wonderful,” Ododo disclosed.

He further noted that the support he received from the NSA and DSS DG greatly helped the joint security team he established to achieve results.

Ododo linked the spike in violent crimes in Kogi to the uniqueness of the state’s geo-political location, saying that the borders Kogi State shares with ten neighbouring states, as well as being a primary gateway to the Northern and Southern parts of the country, make the state a prime target for criminals.

He, however, added that his government was prepared to address the security challenges.

According to him, “Kogi State is vigilant. The DSS, the police, the military, the Navy and all other security agencies are working relentlessly, day and night,” vowing that the State “will never bow to criminals, and we will never negotiate with them.”