Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has distributed security equipment and materials to 1,050 newly recruited hunters in the state to strengthen community security.
Ododo, who oversaw the distribution of the gadgets in Lokoja on Thursday, charged the hunters to deal decisively 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 new to this game. Criminals must be cleared from our land. We are good people and God knows why he created us as a people. Kogi State is blessed with many mineral deposits and if you want to trade with us, we are happy to do so.
“But if you are here with criminal intent, we are ready to intercept you and deal with you decisively,” Ododo warned.
The governor maintained that the security of lives and properties of the people of Kogi State remains his primary responsibility,” Ododo said.
He noted that the state had deployed a grassroots-led security response and expressed resolve to engage hunters, a move he said was further strengthened by the courageous and professional actions of the hunters in the rescue operation that led to the release of 29 of the 31 kidnapped CUSTECH students.
“Our belief in a people-led security approach as a new strategy is a clear indication of our resolve to recalibrate our security architecture,” he 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 making preparations to protect the lives of our hunters. We are also distributing safety equipment and materials such as level 4 bulletproof vests to protect against bullet attacks and boots to help them 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 is determined to combine both kinetic and non-kinetic energy approaches to ensure safety.
“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. We will win,” he added.
He urged hunters to cooperate effectively with security agencies without any competition.
Ododo thanked President Bola Tinubu for enabling the state to put in place local solutions to curb activities of criminals, and commended the National Security Adviser for always supporting efforts to make Kogi State 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.
In his address, Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Mr Bertrand Onuoha, commended the governor for his foresight in ensuring security of lives and property in the state.
“We all know that the terrain of Kogi State poses security challenges and everything you are seeing here is in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s community policing vision.”
“If these security agencies are established without synergy, not much will be achieved. I use this opportunity to call for the integration of all security agencies in the state.”
“I have instructed our regional commanders to always utilise vigilantes and hunters. If we work in harmony, our missions will be more interesting,” he said.
Earlier, the country’s security adviser, retired Colonel Jerry Omdala, noted that the hunters were undergoing some intensive training and guidance to prepare them for their upcoming missions.
(naan)