Governor Ododo, who oversaw the distribution of the devices in Lokoja on Thursday, charged the hunters to be decisive in dealing with criminals and ensure the protection of lives and property across the state.
“We are all Kogi people, we must defend ourselves, Kogi is not a free trade zone for criminals, we have the support of government to defend the land, we will deal firmly with criminals wherever we find them.”
“We are not used to this game. Criminals must be wiped out of our country.”
“We are good people and God knows why he created us as a people. Kogi State is blessed with many mineral deposits. If you want to trade with us, we are happy to trade.”
“But if you are here with criminal intent, we are always ready to catch you and take firm action.” Ododo warned.
The governor maintained that security of lives and property to Kogi people remains his primary responsibility.
“Our resolve to deploy grassroots-led security measures and engage hunters was further strengthened by the brave and professional actions of the hunters during the rescue operation which led to the release of 29 of the 31 kidnapped students of CUSTECH.
“Our belief in a people-led security approach as a new strategy is a clear indication of our resolve to recalibrate our security architecture.” Said.
He commended the Kogi State House of Assembly for quickly approving the recruitment of 1,050 hunters to complement the efforts of traditional security agencies.
“We are working to protect the lives of hunters.
“We are also distributing safety equipment and materials such as level 4 bulletproof vests to protect against bullet attacks and boots to enable them to move through the forest unharmed.”
“In the fight against terrorism, we must agree that the battlefield is changing and technology is evolving.
“We are determined to fight at different levels to defend our land and our people. Kogi will stay one step ahead of the enemies of peace.” He said.
The Governor advised the hunters to demonstrate the highest level of responsibility and discipline in the discharge of their duties and expressed confidence in their competence, discipline, patriotism and professionalism.
Ododo said his administration was determined to combine both physical and non-physical approaches to ensure security.
“We are creating an environment where new jobs can be created for our young people. We are making education free so that every child has access to education.”
“But we will corner the criminals with a wall of force and we will win.” he added.
He urged hunters to cooperate effectively with security agencies without any competition.
Ododo was grateful. President Bola Tinubu He thanked the state government for enabling it to put in place local solutions to curb activities of criminals, while commending the National Security Adviser for always supporting efforts to make Kogi Island a safe place for all.
He thanked the heads of security agencies for providing proper training to the recruited hunters on the rules of engagement, adding that their collaboration was the driving force behind security success in Kogi.
The Kogi Commissioner of Police, Bertrand OnuohaHe commended the Governor for his foresight in safeguarding lives and property in the state.
“We all know that the terrain of Kogi State poses security challenges and everything we are seeing here is in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s community policing vision.”
“If all these security agencies are established without synergy, not much will be achieved.
“We will use this medium to call for integration of all security agencies in the state.
“I have instructed the Area Commanders to always utilize the vigilantes and hunters. If we work in harmony, our services will be more interesting.” He said.
Earlier, the State Department’s National Security Advisor said, Retired Colonel Jerry Omdalanoted that the hunters had undergone some intensive training and guidance to prepare them for their upcoming mission.