Kogi equips 1,050 hunters with security gadgets, plans insurance

• Published On: 04 July 2024 at 18:59

Ahmed Ododo, the governor of Kogi State, has provided security equipment and safety materials to the state's freshly recruited 1,050 hunters in order to improve community policing.

Ododo, who oversaw the gadgets' distribution in Lokoja on Thursday, charged the hunters with dealing firmly with criminals and ensuring the safety of people and property throughout the state.

"We are all Kogites, and we must protect ourselves." Kogi is not a free-trade zone for criminals; you have the government's support to defend the land, and if you encounter them, deal with them decisively.

"We are not new to this game; criminals must be removed from our nation. We are nice people, and God knows why he created us. Kogi State is blessed with vast mineral deposits, and if you want to trade with us, we are willing to do so.


"But if you are coming with criminal intentions, we are ever ready to fish you out and deal with you decisively," warns Ododo.
The governor maintained that the security of lives and property remained his top priority for the people of Kogi," Ododo stated.

He emphasised the state's determination to develop a grassroots-led security approach and engage hunters, noting that the move was bolstered by their brave and professional conduct during rescue attempts that resulted in the release of 29 of the 31 kidnapped students from CUSTECH.

"Our faith in the people-led security approach as a new strategy is a clear manifestation of our determination to recalibrate our security architecture," she said.


He praised the Kogi House of Assembly for swiftly approving the employment of 1,050 hunters to supplement the efforts of traditional security services.

"We have made significant progress in ensuring the hunters' lives. We are also delivering security equipment and safety materials like as Level 4 Ballistic Vests to protect against bullet strikes and footwear to let them move around in the forests safely, among other items.

"In our fight against terrorism, we must recognise that battlefields and technology have evolved.

"We are resolved to fight on multiple levels to protect our land and people. "Kogi will be ahead of the enemies of peace," he stated.

The governor exhorted the hunters to exercise the utmost responsibility and discipline in carrying out their tasks, expressing trust in their ability, discipline, patriotism, and professionalism.

Ododo stated that his administration was resolved to use both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to secure security.

"We are building an environment that will generate new jobs for our teeming young. We are making education free to ensure that every child receives an education.


"However, we will use our wall of strength to take down the criminals. "We'll win," he added.

He asked the hunters to work efficiently with security services, free of any rivalry.

Ododo hailed President Bola Tinubu for allowing states to use local solutions to reduce criminal activity, and praised the National Security Adviser for his ongoing efforts to make Kogi secure for all.

He praised the chiefs of security agencies for properly orienting the recruited hunters on the rules of engagement, noting that collaboration had been the driving force behind security success in Kogi.

In his remarks, Kogi's Commissioner of Police, Bertrand Onuoha, praised the governor for his foresight in protecting lives and property in the state.

"We are all aware of the topography of Kogi State, which offers security issues. All we see here is consistent with the Inspector General of Police's goal for community policing.

"If all of these security agencies are established without collaboration, much will not be accomplished. I'm utilising this means to advocate for the merger of all state security services.

"I instructed Area Commanders to always utilise vigilantes and hunters. "When we harmonise, our services will be more appealing," he stated.

Earlier, Retired Cdr Jerry Omdara, the State's Security Adviser, stated that the hunters had undergone some amount of intensive training and orientation to prepare them for the mission ahead.