By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has reaffirmed its determination to intensify a statewide crackdown on criminals, pledging to rescue kidnapped victims and restore lasting peace across the state. The assurance was given on Saturday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, amid ongoing security operations.
Fanwo said security agencies are actively tracking criminal elements, with coordinated operations already underway to dismantle gangs and free abducted persons. He noted that the government is fully aware of the trauma faced by families of kidnapped victims and remains deeply concerned about their safety and well-being. “We understand the trauma faced by families of kidnapped victims, and we are very concerned about their well-being,” Fanwo said. “The Governor has invested heavily to ensure the state has the capacity to crush criminal elements.” The commissioner acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Inspector-General of Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), for their continued backing in combating insecurity in Kogi State.
According to Fanwo, the state government is scaling up preventive security measures to curb crime before it occurs, while maintaining pressure on criminal networks. He emphasized that the administration is committed to rescuing every Kogite currently in captivity. “We will ensure that every Kogite in the hands of criminals is rescued,” he said. “We sympathise with families who have lost loved ones. While the challenge remains, we are making progress, and the security situation has improved significantly.”
Addressing public reactions to insecurity, Fanwo acknowledged that peaceful protests are a lawful expression of civic rights. However, he cautioned against politicising security concerns, warning that divisive actions could undermine collective efforts to restore peace. “We can’t afford to be divided at this critical time,” he said. “We must come together as a people to win this war against criminality.”
The Kogi government also commended individuals and stakeholders for their cooperation with security agencies. Fanwo specifically praised the Member representing Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Leke Abejide, for providing logistical support to security operations within his constituency.“ He has put his money where his mouth is by matching words with actions,” Fanwo said. “The Kogi State Government appreciates this support and calls on others to defend the people rather than play politics with security.”
The commissioner warned that individuals who disrupt public peace under the guise of protest, as well as those who sponsor such actions, would face the full weight of the law. He reiterated that the government remains resolute in its mission to secure lives and property across the state. With ongoing operations and strengthened collaboration among security agencies, the Kogi government crackdown on criminals is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, as authorities work to dismantle criminal networks and ensure the safe return of abducted victims.
