FIC (Kogi State) – The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Wednesday declared that there is “no free market for criminals” in the state as he reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to sustain the ongoing offensive against kidnappers and other criminal elements.
The governor made the declaration during an inspection visit to the newly approved 21 Battalion Barracks in Anyigba, saying the facility would further strengthen security operations across Kogi East and other parts of the state.
Ododo said he was in Anyigba to personally assess the security situation and evaluate the impact of ongoing operations aimed at restoring peace and protecting residents.
Commending the military and other security agencies for their coordinated efforts, the governor noted that their commitment has led to a significant reduction in kidnapping and other violent crimes in Kogi East.
He expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support in the fight against insecurity, describing the President as fully committed to providing the resources needed to safeguard lives and property.
According to the governor, no amount of resources is too much to deploy in the battle against criminality, adding that the Federal Government’s provision of air support has greatly enhanced security operations by enabling security forces to engage criminal hideouts with greater precision.
Ododo also praised security operatives for the successful elimination of notorious kidnapping kingpin, Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo, describing it as a major breakthrough in the fight against organised crime in the state.
“Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there is no free market for criminals in Kogi State,” the governor declared, stressing that criminals have realised the state is no longer a safe haven for their activities.
He added that the state government would continue to complement the efforts of security agencies, noting that all security chiefs in Kogi are working together with a shared commitment to defeating criminal elements.
The governor maintained that his administration would relentlessly pursue criminals until they are completely driven out of the state, assuring residents that the government would not relent in protecting lives and property.
Ododo further commended the dedication and professionalism of the security chiefs serving in the state, noting that inter-ethnic clashes had reduced considerably since the deployment of the 21 Battalion to the area.
He also said Kogi State possesses enormous resources capable of contributing significantly to national development, assuring that his administration would harness those resources for the benefit of the people and the country.
The governor urged traditional rulers to work closely with security agencies by mobilising their communities to provide credible and timely intelligence, warning against allowing anyone to use them or their subjects as agents of violence and destruction.
He stressed that community cooperation remains critical to winning the war against insecurity and sustaining peace across Kogi State.
Maryam Abubakar Gulma CIPRO Federal Information Centre Lokoja
24th June 2026
