The Kogi State Government says it has adopted a preventive security strategy to tackle the resurgence of insecurity in parts of the state.
The State Security Adviser, retired Commander Jerry Omodara, disclosed this during this week’s edition of State of Kogi, an audience-participatory programme on Radio Kogi monitored by our correspondent.
Omodara said the proactive approach is designed to identify and neutralise threats before they escalate. According to him, the strategy includes the strategic deployment of security personnel, members of the Kogi Vigilante Service and local hunters.
As part of efforts to strengthen safety across the state, the Security Adviser revealed that about 500 forest guards would soon begin training. He added that the operatives would be equipped to prevent criminals from using forests as hideouts for illegal activities.
Omodara noted that while the state has continued to rely on the neighbourhood watch system in tackling crime, there remains an urgent need for the National Assembly to provide the legal framework for state policing.
He maintained that Kogi is prepared for the implementation of state police, stressing that the state was the second in the country to submit its Memorandum of Understanding to the Federal Government on the initiative.
Speaking on the recent attack on Ikoyi community in Ijumu Local Government Area, Omodara said security operatives successfully foiled the attack and had been directed to track down those responsible.
He also urged residents to comply with the government’s directive against public gatherings beyond 4 p.m., noting that adherence to security guidelines remains critical to protecting lives and property.
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to protecting citizens, the Security Adviser called on residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information.
During the programme, a caller, Mohammed from Bassa Local Government Area, appealed to the government to reinstate dismissed officers of the Kogi Vigilante Service.
Another caller, Mr Anyimode from Lokoja, commended security agencies for their efforts and urged them to intensify operations.
