By Elizabeth Williams

IN a decisive move indicating that the tide has turned against criminal elements, Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, declared yesterday that the state is no longer a “fertile market” for kidnappers, bandits, and armed robbers.

Governor Ododo, who attributed the sweeping security gains in the confluence state to the massive, investments of President Bola Tinubu, stated that the joint network of federal and sub-national security operations has systematically dismantled criminal networks across the state’s flashpoints.

The Governor made these assertions during a high-powered inspection visit to the newly established 21 Battalion Barracks in Anyigba, Kogi East, a region historically plagued by volatile communal clashes, highway robberies, and high-profile abductions.

Dramatic turnaround
Visibly impressed by the high state of combat readiness displayed by the military personnel, Ododo revealed that the rapid deployment of the military formation has restored immediate psychological and physical peace to communities that hitherto lived in perpetual fear.

“I am here today to appreciate all the gallant officers who are making sacrifices daily to ensure that our people sleep with both eyes closed,” an upbeat Ododo told the troops.

“Since your arrival, the security situation in Kogi East has changed drastically. The markets for criminality have been shut down, and we will continue to hunt them until they have no hiding place.”

National security data tracking the North-Central belt indicates that the strategic positioning of the Anyigba battalion serves as a critical buffer zone, choking off escape routes traditionally utilized by criminal syndicates operating between Kogi, Benue, and Enugu states.

Federal firepower
Beyond infrastructural support, Governor Ododo disclosed a major tactical upgrade in the state’s counter-terrorism architecture, revealing that President Tinubu has officially cleared the path for instantaneous aerial intervention.

“Mr. President has graciously granted approval that whenever we need air support, it will be made available,” Ododo revealed. “The President cannot be in all 36 states fighting criminals simultaneously, so we serve as his foot soldiers. With this air support clearance, the margins for criminal survival in Kogi have effectively dropped to zero.”

Synergy against terror
The Governor extended deep appreciation to the strategic hub of the nation’s security architecture, specifically praising: Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, NSA; Chief of Army Staff; Inspector General of Police; and Director General of the DSS.

He commended the Commanding Officer of the 21 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Godiya Solomon Monday, for demonstrating exceptional leadership in setting up the tactical base within record time.

Reaffirming his administration’s stance, Ododo maintained that his government would continue to aggressively fund security logistics, especially to protect agrarian communities as the critical farming season commences.

“No amount of state resources can be considered too much when it comes to saving the lives of our people. Without absolute security, there can be no meaningful talk of development,” the Governor concluded.