By Oiza Bello
The Kogi State Government has issued an Executive Proclamation on Security Protocols aimed at addressing the growing security challenges confronting the state.
Governor Usman Ododo made the proclamation at the Government House in Lokoja while receiving arms and ammunition recovered by security agencies during recent operations.
Governor Ododo explained that the proclamation became necessary as part of decisive measures to curb the high rate of insecurity across the state.
According to him, any individual or organisation that knowingly identifies with, supports, harbours, aids or shows material alliance with bandits, terrorists or other criminal elements operating within or outside the state will be treated as criminals, collaborators and enemies of the state, and will face the full weight of the law.
The proclamation further states that vendors, suppliers, transporters or commercial entities found to be knowingly providing goods, services, logistics, funding, food, fuel, communication facilities or any form of material assistance to criminal groups will be investigated, arrested and prosecuted in line with applicable laws.
Similarly, “any person, group or professional body involved in facilitating, financing or providing cover for bandits or terrorist organisations will be subjected to investigation and prosecution, while all movable and immovable assets used in such activities will be forfeited to the state government”.
Governor Ododo also announced that all security operatives entering or operating within the state must properly identify themselves and present valid operational credentials when required.
He added that security personnel in the state will undergo verification and clearance by a security monitoring team comprising representatives of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other paramilitary agencies.
The governor asserted that anyone found impersonating security operatives or operating without valid authorisation will be arrested and prosecuted.
Clarifying that the proclamation does not amount to a declaration of a state of emergency, Governor Ododo said it was designed to curb the alarming infiltration of fake and unauthorised individuals parading as security operatives.
He reassured residents to go about their lawful activities without fear, pledging his administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture and flushing out elements bent on disrupting peace.
Governor Ododo commended security agencies for their efforts, as he received recovered items including 24 AK-47 rifles, 23 compact rifles, various other firearms, 42 magazines, ammunition, handcuffs and other security-related equipment.
Edited by Ajifa Ainoko
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