After Sustained Military Operations, Bandits Reportedly Seek Dialogue With Kogi State Government
The Kogi State Government has announced that several bandits operating within the state have reportedly reached out to initiate dialogue, following weeks of sustained military pressure on their hideouts. This development was disclosed on Friday in Lokoja by the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd), during a briefing with journalists.
According to Omodara, the overtures for negotiation came in the wake of intensified security operations carried out by joint security forces, including recent aerial bombardments of suspected bandit camps and the demolition of buildings allegedly used for criminal activities in various parts of the state. He explained that these actions have significantly disrupted the operations of criminal elements, forcing some to reconsider their activities.
The Security Adviser attributed the recent gains recorded by the state to the strategic deployment of technology in combating insecurity. He noted that over the past two years, the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has invested heavily in intelligence-driven security measures, which have enabled security agencies to outmaneuver criminal groups operating in difficult terrains, particularly forested areas.
Omodara recalled that during his inauguration on January 27, 2024, Governor Ododo pledged to prioritize the protection of lives and property across Kogi State. He said this commitment has translated into concrete actions, including the expansion of technological surveillance and plans to further strengthen security infrastructure to sustain pressure on criminal elements.
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As part of these efforts, the state government has provided logistics support to various security agencies. Several Hilux vehicles, Siena buses, and motorcycles have been distributed to the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilante groups, and other security outfits to enhance mobility and rapid response during operations against bandits and kidnappers.
Despite reports of bandits seeking dialogue, Omodara was emphatic that the government has no intention of negotiating with criminals. He stressed that the administration’s policy is to maintain the ongoing offensive and continue taking the fight directly to bandits in their forest hideouts. According to him, any perceived attempt at negotiation should not be interpreted as a shift in government strategy.
The Security Adviser also revealed that the state government is working on proposed legislation aimed at banning habitation in forests and unapproved settlements. Under the proposed policy, residents would be required to live in recognized towns and communities, a move the government believes would make it more difficult for criminals to establish hideouts or blend into local populations.
Omodara further disclosed that investigations have uncovered the involvement of local collaborators who allegedly assist bandits in carrying out their operations. He said both the criminals and their collaborators are currently facing intensified law enforcement action, as security agencies sustain what he described as a “no-holds-barred” offensive.
While acknowledging an upsurge in banditry and insecurity in parts of the country, Omodara maintained that Kogi State remains one of the safest states in the North Central region. He credited this to effective intelligence gathering, coordinated security operations, and the political will demonstrated by both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ododo.
In addition, the Security Adviser announced that over 3,000 vigilante personnel have been recruited into the state workforce to provide additional support to security agencies. He confirmed that the Joint Task Force (JTF) has recently carried out multiple raids on bandit hideouts, resulting in the neutralization of several suspects.
The disclosure has sparked widespread public reactions, with many residents and commentators expressing skepticism about negotiations and calling for sustained military action against criminal groups. As security operations continue, the Kogi State Government insists that its focus remains on restoring lasting peace and ensuring the safety of citizens across the state.