The Kogi State Government has deployed two high-capacity PH20 surveillance drones to strengthen intelligence gathering and enhance security operations across the state.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo unveiled the drones on Monday at the 12 Brigade Headquarters, Chari Maigumeri Barracks, Lokoja, describing the move as part of his administration’s commitment to adopting modern technology to combat insecurity.
The governor said the deployment reflects his government’s zero tolerance for criminality and determination to maintain full territorial control of the state.
According to him, the PH20 drones are equipped with advanced monitoring capabilities that allow real-time intelligence gathering, particularly in difficult terrains and forested areas used as hideouts by criminal elements.
“These drones will provide early detection of suspicious movements, enhance coordination among security agencies and enable faster, intelligence-driven response. With this investment, criminals will have no hiding place in Kogi State,” Ododo said.
He warned that his administration would neither negotiate with criminals nor allow any part of the state to be surrendered to banditry or terrorism.
Governor Ododo noted that Kogi’s strategic position as a link between northern and southern Nigeria has made it vulnerable to infiltration by criminals displaced from other regions, adding that his government chose decisive action over excuses.
Highlighting progress recorded so far, the governor said the administration has built an intelligence-led security framework combining technology, community engagement and inter-agency collaboration.
He disclosed that security structures have been established across the state’s 239 political wards, while 2,752 Vigilante Service personnel have been absorbed into the civil service to improve professionalism and welfare.
The governor added that hunters have been recruited and equipped across the 21 local government areas to support forest operations, while areas previously threatened by criminal activities have been reclaimed through sustained clearance operations.
He said the state has also constructed and equipped a Quick Response Unit, procured patrol vehicles, motorcycles, bulletproof vests, helmets and communication equipment to boost the effectiveness of security agencies.
Ododo expressed sympathy with victims of criminal attacks and assured residents that the government remains fully prepared to secure all parts of the state.
He also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and commitment to national security, while commending security agencies for improved intelligence sharing.
The Chief of Army Staff, represented by the Chief of Transportation and Innovation at Army Headquarters, Major General Olusegun Abai, commended the state government for complementing federal efforts to address insecurity through technology.
He said the acquisition of the PH20 drones aligns with global best practices and supports the federal government’s technology-driven approach to national security.
The State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara, said the drones would be deployed to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other crimes, particularly across forest corridors and border routes.
He disclosed that trained personnel have undergone over three months of specialised training to operate the drones and urged strict adherence to rules of engagement.
Also speaking, the Commander of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kasim Sidi, described the deployment as a milestone that positions Kogi as a leader in technology-driven security operations.
The Commissioner of Police, Bello Nasiru Kankarofi, warned criminals that they no longer have hiding places, citing the impact of the state’s proactive security measures.
On behalf of traditional rulers, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, pledged continued support for security agencies and the state government in the fight against crime
