Security Being Tackled Headlong in Kogi, Bandits Begging to Surrender — Omodara
By Samuel Temiloluwa
The Kogi State Government has intensified efforts to tackle insecurity across the state, with the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd.), saying some bandits are now seeking opportunities to surrender their weapons and abandon criminal activities.
Omodara disclosed this while speaking at the 2026 Okun Unity Dialogue, held at the Conference Centre of the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess and Suites, Asokoro, Abuja.
He said the administration of Governor Usman Ododo had adopted a proactive and coordinated approach to security, stressing that the government would continue to work tirelessly towards eradicating insecurity and creating a safe environment for residents.
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According to him, discussions are currently ongoing with some bandits who have indicated their willingness to surrender, adding that the government is focused on restoring peace rather than taking lives.
Omodara said Governor Ododo had consistently maintained that the state government would not pay ransom to individuals or groups involved in kidnapping and other criminal activities.
He explained that the government was prepared to give criminals who genuinely surrendered their weapons an opportunity to abandon their criminal activities, provided they hand over all arms and ammunition in their possession.
“The government is not interested in killing anybody. If they surrender their arms and ammunition, they will be left alone,” he said.
The Security Adviser attributed the recent prompt rescue of abducted NYSC members along the Itobe road to effective intelligence gathering and coordinated operations among the various security agencies operating in the state.
He commended the security agencies for their cooperation, noting that the synergy among the Police, Military, Department of State Services and other security formations had continued to strengthen the state’s capacity to respond swiftly to security threats.
Omodara further disclosed that other states across the country were studying and adopting aspects of Kogi State’s security model in their respective jurisdictions.
He therefore appealed to the people of Kogi State, particularly the people of Okunland, to continue supporting and cooperating with the Ododo-led administration, stressing that citizens’ cooperation with security agencies remained essential to sustaining peace and security.
He said the collective efforts of the government, security agencies and the people would help create the conducive environment necessary for economic growth and development.
The Okun Unity Dialogue, organised by the Okun Development Initiative (ODI), brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, community stakeholders, professionals and other prominent Okun sons and daughters to deliberate on issues affecting the unity, security and development of Okunland.
Democracy Newsline Newspaper September 4, 2026
