Kogi State governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, has applauded the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, and heads of other security agencies for helping to drive the security reforms recently introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Governor particularly said that the support he got from the NSA and DSS DG, greatly helped the joint security team he set up achieve results.
This was as he noted that the security reforms introduced by President Tinubu is yielding results across the country, including the recovery of a large stockpile of arms and ammunition in his state.
Ododo, who stated these while briefing journalists in Lokoja, said the recovery of the huge arms stockpile which was displayed, followed more than a week of intelligence-driven surveillance by security agencies with the support of the state government.
He said the operation was part of a broader security strategy aimed at denying criminals in the state access to weapons and logistics, adding that the reforms would make it difficult for criminals across the country operate.
The governor said that the resolve of his government to fight insecurity came on the heels of a recent meeting he had with President 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.
Ododo said; “When I met Mr President, I expected commendation. But he told me that he is more focused on intelligence-driven operations. That re-energized and redirected me. We immediately regrouped, met with the security agencies, harmonised our strategies and acted decisively on credible intelligence. We put the strategy, tested it, and the results have been wonderful”.
The Governor linked the spike in violent crimes in Kogi State to its unique geo-political location, adding that the borders Kogi State share with 10 neighbouring states, as well as her being a major gateway to the Northern and Southern parts of the country, made the state a prime target for criminals.
Odod however, emphasised that his government was ready to take on the security challenges, saying that Kogi State is fully alert.
He further said; “The DSS, the police, the military, the Navy and all other security agencies are working relentlessly, day and night. We will never bow to criminals, and we will never negotiate with them”.
Weapons recovered during the 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.
Ododo said the operation was the result of close coordination amongst the DSS, the police, the military and other security agencies, acting on what he described as credible and actionable intelligence.
