Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has declared that the region is no longer a refuge for criminal elements, crediting the turnaround to the Federal Government’s security framework and enhanced cooperation among security branches. Speaking at the new 21 Battalion Barracks in Anyigba, a site historically troubled by violence and abduction, the Governor emphasized that these improvements stem from consistent backing from President Bola Tinubu.
Ododo praised the military for restoring stability in Kogi East, noting that the presence of the battalion has effectively curtailed criminal operations. He confirmed that President Tinubu has authorized the use of air support to assist local security efforts, further reducing the ability of armed groups to maneuver within the state. According to Ododo, the state acts as a primary enforcement arm for federal security objectives.
The Governor acknowledged the contributions of high-ranking security officials, including the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the leadership of the Army, Police, and DSS. He specifically thanked Lt. Col. Godiya Solomon Monday for his instrumental role in establishing the base. Ododo reaffirmed his government’s resolve to provide the necessary logistical resources to ensure safety, particularly as the agricultural planting season approaches, insisting that development cannot thrive without sustained peace.
