Kogi State governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, on Friday, unveiled over 120 new set of security vehicles and 44 motorcycles to enhance the efficiency of community policing in all the 21 local government areas of the state.
The new set of security vehicles distributed to all 21 local government areas in the state were aimed at boosting the community policing initiative of the administration of Governor Ododo through the Kogi State Vigilante Service.
It was 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 said the measure was taken to curb the excesses of criminals in all the 21 local government areas in the state.
He added that it will enable the vigilantes across the state to move from point to point in their various domains.
The governor assured that security is very important in any society and that his administration was committed 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.
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 vigilante service.
“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 stated.
He, therefore, commended President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to reverse the spate of inherited security challenges in the country.
“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,” Ododo added.
