Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has firmly stated that Kogi State is not a fertile ground for criminal activities. Speaking to journalists in Abuja on June 20, 2025, after meeting with the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Abdullahi Ganduje, Governor Ododo highlighted the state’s commitment to maintaining security and order.
Ododo pointed out that Kogi’s geographical location, sharing borders with 10 states including the FCT, makes it susceptible to security challenges. He attributed the influx of criminal elements to the spillover of security operations in the Northeast and Northwest regions, pushing criminals towards Kogi.
“Kogi State is not a free destination for criminals. We are dealing with them decisively, and they know it. We don’t make noise, but we act,” Ododo stressed.
The governor emphasized that the Kogi State Government is dedicated to safeguarding the lives and property of its residents. He added that security strategies are best handled discreetly to ensure their effectiveness.
Kogi’s Economic Potential and Security
Governor Ododo also spoke about Kogi’s rich mineral deposits, stating that the state has over 32 minerals in commercial quantities as well as vast arable land suitable for agriculture. However, he lamented that these resources have not yet been fully utilized to drive development, which contributes to security issues.
Ododo assured citizens that his administration is working to change this narrative by boosting Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and improving infrastructure across the state.
“I am a promise keeper. We have already increased the IGR of Kogi State, as I promised during my campaign. Our efforts are yielding positive results,” he noted.
Call for National Collaboration on Security
The governor called on Nigerians and relevant stakeholders to collaborate in addressing insecurity not just in Kogi, but across the country. He reaffirmed that Kogi remains committed to ensuring peace and safety, despite being a transit point for criminal elements displaced from other regions.
Why This Matters
Kogi State plays a critical role in Nigeria’s security architecture due to its strategic location. Governor Ododo’s firm stance highlights the need for continuous vigilance, community cooperation, and sustained investment in security infrastructure.
