By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has met with Nigeria’s top security chiefs in Abuja to intensify coordinated efforts aimed at strengthening security across the state. The high-level meeting brought together the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu; the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and the Director General of the Department of State Services, Mr. Tosin Ajayi.Confirming the development on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, described the engagements as “fruitful” and vital to deepening collaboration with national security agencies.“I can confirm that His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, met with the Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs, as well as the Inspector General of Police and the DG DSS, for constructive engagements toward ensuring adequate security in Kogi State,” Fanwo said.“
It was a strategic meeting, and I can assure Kogites that discussions are progressing positively. The security agencies have expressed readiness to support the Governor in sustaining peace and stability in the state.”Fanwo noted that Governor Ododo’s meeting followed earlier consultations with the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who continues to play a significant role in enhancing the state’s security framework.“
The NSA has shown great commitment to ensuring peace and security in our dear state,” he stated, adding that the Governor remains grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support to Kogi State.Governor Ododo also commended President Tinubu for ensuring the safe release of kidnapped victims from Eruku in Kwara State, describing the intervention as “commendable and reassuring.” He noted that Tinubu’s leadership continues to yield positive results in the fight against violent crimes nationwide.The Governor further applauded the President for securing the release of schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State, and expressed confidence that ongoing federal efforts would ensure the rescue of other victims still in captivity across the country.Ododo recently remodelled Kogi’s security architecture, giving increased prominence to local vigilante groups and hunters as the first line of defense in communities, especially considering the state’s strategic location and border vulnerabilities.-
