April 19, 2025 | Lokoja, Kogi State
In a bold move to deepen its offensive against insecurity, the Kogi State Government has confirmed a series of coordinated security operations across key local government areas in the Western Senatorial District, resulting in significant breakthroughs against bandits and criminal gangs terrorizing parts of the state.
The affected areas include Mopamuro, Kabba/Bunu, Ijumu, and Lokoja LGAs, where joint security forces engaged in intense gun battles with criminal elements operating in the forests and hinterlands. According to a government statement released on Friday by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the onslaught led to the neutralization of several threats and the destruction of key bandit camps.
“We commend the gallantry, professionalism, and sacrifice of our security personnel, whose bravery led to the successful neutralization of several threats within the area,” Fanwo stated.
Two Security Operatives Killed, Others Injured
Despite the success, the state government confirmed that two operatives paid the ultimate price during the operation. While their names were not disclosed, their sacrifice was described as “heroic,” and condolences were extended to their families and colleagues.
“Their memories will remain a source of inspiration in our collective fight against insecurity,” the statement read.
In addition, several other operatives sustained injuries during the operation. The state government says it is coordinating closely with relevant authorities to ensure prompt and comprehensive medical care for the wounded personnel.
Normalcy Restored, Operations to Continue
The statement assured citizens that normalcy has returned to the affected communities and that further mop-up operations are underway to root out any remaining criminal cells.
“The rules of engagement are strictly in place to protect innocent and unarmed civilians,” Fanwo added, noting that security personnel remain guided by professionalism.
Governor Ododo Reaffirms Commitment to Safety
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the safety of all Kogi residents, pledging continued collaboration with federal security agencies and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
“We will spare no resource to win the war against criminality,” the Governor said, stressing that Kogi will not relent until all threats are neutralized.
He also encouraged community leaders, stakeholders, and residents to play an active role by supplying credible intelligence that will aid the operations.
Praise for President Tinubu and Security Agencies
The government expressed its gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his special interest in Kogi’s security landscape, describing him as a dependable partner in the state’s efforts to maintain peace and order.
The state also acknowledged the efforts of all security outfits — conventional and local — as well as the Office of the National Security Adviser, for their continuous support.
A Safe Kogi for Investors and Residents Alike
Governor Ododo emphasized that with global investor interest in Kogi State on the rise, his administration is determined to create an environment that is safe for both economic activity and daily life.
“Despite our success so far, we will not rest on our oars until every resident is safe,” the statement concluded.
See the press statement from Kogi State government below;
KOGI STATE GOVERNMENT PRESS STATEMENT
KOGI STATE GOVERNMENT CLARIFIES ONGOING SECURITY OPERATIONS IN SOME PARTS OF WESTERN SENATORIAL DISTRICTS
1. The Kogi State Government wishes to inform the general public about recent, rigorous security operations carried out by a combined team of security agencies. The operations, which took place in identified security flashpoints within Mopamuro, Kabba/Bunu, Ijumu and Lokoja Local Government Areas, were parts of a sustained and strategic onslaught against criminal elements threatening the peace and security of our dear state.
2. During the operation, security forces engaged bandits and other criminal elements in a fierce exchange of gunfire, resulting in significant disruption of the activities of these criminal networks. We commend the gallantry, professionalism, and sacrifice of our security personnel, whose bravery led to the successful neutralization of several threats within the area.
3. The camps of the bandits suffered heavy casualties, however, we are deeply saddened to report that in the course of this operation, we lost two courageous operatives who paid the ultimate price in defense of our people and our state. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of these fallen heroes. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their memories will remain a source of inspiration in our collective fight against insecurity.
4. We also commend the resilience of other operatives who sustained injuries in the line of duty. The State Government is working closely with the security authorities to ensure that all necessary medical care is provided promptly and comprehensively.
5. The Kogi State Government assures citizens that normalcy has been restored in the affected areas, and further operations are ongoing to ensure a total purge of criminal elements. We urge our people to remain calm and not to panic. The rules of engagement are strictly in place to protect innocent and unarmed civilians, and our security agencies remain committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
6. The Chief Servant of the State, His Excellency Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo wishes to reaffirm his iron-cast commitment to the safety and security of every resident of Kogi State. He has reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance for criminality and his resolve to partner continuously with federal security agencies and the Office of the National Security Adviser to ensure Kogi remains one of the safest states in the country.
7. We call on all community leaders, stakeholders, and residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible intelligence that can further support ongoing efforts to rid our communities of criminal elements.
8. As a Government and a people, we express our profound appreciation to our dear President, His Excellency Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for his special commitment to keeping Kogi and Nigeria safe. We also wish to thank all the security agencies, both conventional and local as well as the Office of the National Security Adviser for the sustained efforts at sustaining peace and security in the Confluence State.
9. At a time that the global investing community is indicating interest in Kogi State, the Ododo Administration will spare no resource to win the war against criminality. Despite appreciable success in the war against criminality in the state, we will not rest on our oars until every resident is safe. The fight against insecurity is one we will win with your support and cooperation.
Signed:
Kingsley Femi Fanwo
Hon. Commissioner for Information and Communications
Kogi StateApril 19, 2025.
