Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo indicated that he will on Friday unveil new sets of security vehicles to enhance efficiency of community policing in all local government areas in the state.

The Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah in a statement noted that the new set of security vehicles to be distributed to all the 21 local government areas in the state will boost community policing initiative of the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo through the Kogi state vigilante service.

The statement added that the launch of the new set of vehicles is also part of measures to lay the foundation for a new template for community policing as part of the security architecture in Kogi State.

Meanwhile, the Governor has commended recent onslaught by security agencies in Kogi East against criminals operating in the area.

The governor commended the efforts of the caretaker chairman of Dekina local government, Honourable John Urah Ikani over the arrest of a gang of kidnappers who were allegedly invited to Ochaja from a state in the North West by kidnap kingpin who has been at large.

The suspected kidnappers who have been assisting security agencies with useful information, the statement noted, were arrested by members of the vigilante group around Ochaja area while on routine patrol.
The statement indicated that they have since confessed to be working for the notorious kidnap kingpin who is said to have been terrorizing victims in communities between Dekina and Ankpa local government areas.

The Governor urged all caretaker chairmen of local government areas in the state to prioritize security of lives and property in their respective council areas, stressing that it is better to prevent crime than going after criminals when the crime has taken place.

Governor Ododo promised that the state government would continue to provide necessary support to ensure security of lives and property in all parts of Kogi State.

As debate on State police gained traction on Monday the President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio has admonished that the state police departments that must be set up must be free from the shackles of politics, religious extremism, tribalism, and ethnicism.
Akpabio who spoke on Monday at the National Dialogue on security and State Police organised by the House of Representatives, said it is important to ensure that the right of Nigerians are upheld, that justice is served, and that the rule of law prevails.
He urged Nigerians not forget that security is not a privilege, but a fundamental right of every Nigerian.
“If we are to set up state police departments, we must ensure that they are free from the shackles of politics, religious extremism, tribalism, and ethnicism.
“We must build a security architecture that is robust, transparent, and accountable.
“We must empower them to serve and protect, without fear or favour.
According to him, it is necessary to draw inspiration from the United States of America, a nation that has successfully implemented a system of state and federal policing.
“Let us learn from their experiences and adapt their models to suit our unique socio-political context.

“Let us ensure that our state police forces work in harmony with their federal counterparts, collaborating to fight crime, preserve peace, and safeguard our democracy.

“In the USA, the FBI, the federal police body enforces federal laws and the state police departments enforce state laws. The FBI also investigates inter-state crimes. We must draw the lines because to have functional state police we must have a strong federal police.
“But let us never forget that the power of the state police should never be used as a tool of oppression or witch-hunting.
“Let us ensure that political powers do not manipulate the state police to silence dissent or target their enemies.
“Let us ensure that the influential do not exert undue influence over the state police, and that justice is blind to wealth, power, politics, or status. Let us build a system that is fair, just, and equitable for all.

“Therefore, in this hallowed hall, let us embrace this dialogue as an opportunity for unity, understanding, and collaboration. Let us rise above our differences and work towards a common goal – a safer and more secure Nigeria.
He advocated for Nigerians to use their collective efforts to build a nation that can withstand the challenges that lie ahead, a nation that can combat the monster of insecurity that currently threatens our collective well-being.

He applauded president Ahmed Tinubu, for his presence and unwavering commitment to the nation’s security.
“The presence of our esteemed President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, His Excellency, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in this event underscores its importance, and government’s commitment to reform and strengthen the security architecture of our country.

“It is always a pleasure to welcome him to any National Assembly event, not only because he is such an inspirational leader, but also because he is an alumnus of the National Assembly.

“Like I said recently, President Tinubu did not only come to steady the ship of state, he came to adjust the sails and steer the ship of state through rough and fair weather, to the right direction and the right destination.

“He is known for rearranging the sails, and this is exactly what he has done in agreeing that modalities should be worked out for us to have state police.
“A pessimist whines about the wind; the optimist hopes for a change; the realist rearranges his sails.
I dare to believe that we, gathered here, under the leadership of Mr. President, have what it takes to overcome the challenges that lie before us and build a nation that is strong, united, and secure.

“The concept of state police has been a topic of debate for many years. It is a complex issue with no easy answers.

“But today, courtesy of the House of Representatives, we have the opportunity to engage in a national dialogue, to listen to the voices of our fellow citizens, and to forge a path towards a more secure Nigeria.

“Let us seize this opportunity with open hearts and open minds. Let us listen to one another, learn from one another, and work together to find a common ground.”

The President of the Senate, Godswill Obot Akpabio has has dolled out N27m to families of seven police personnel killed at Ugheli forest in Delta State on 20th February, 2024.

Akpabio, while making the presentation of the posthumous awards on behalf of the Nigeria Police, announced that he would support each of the families with one million naira to pay their way back home while the Senate as an institution made a commitment to supoort the families of the deceased with N20 million.
Akpabio made the pledge at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony which held on Monday evening in Abuja.
In addition to the awards given on various aspects of policing, posthumous awards were also given in memorial recognition of the fallen heroes as Akpabio pledged the full cooperation and support of the National Assembly for better policing of Nigeria.

Akpabio told the audience which included Vice President Kashim Shettima that “as the leader of the National Assembly, I pledge our full cooperation and support for the better policing of Nigeria.

“We recognise the importance of a well-equipped and motivated police force in ensuring the security and well-being of our citizens.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to provide the necessary legislative framework and resources to enable the police to carry out their duties effectively.”

The Senate President commended the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and the entire leadership of the Nigeria Police Force for organising the event and urged them to use the occasion to celebrate the achievements of the Nigeria Police Force and to reiterate the commitment to working together for a safer and more secured Nigeria.

Akpabio said: “I commend the Police for this maiden effort in organizing this awards ceremony. It is a testament to IGP Egbetokun’s commitment to giving honor to whom it is due.

“By recognizing the gallant, selfless and patriotic contributions of individual officers, we not only motivate them for higher performance but also reinforce the new policing agenda of the Force.

“This agenda focuses on internal ethical regeneration, restoration of professional standards and the enhancement of the anti-corruption drive.

“However, let us not ignore the challenges faced by the police in Nigeria. The ever-evolving landscape of crime and the increasing sophistication of criminal gangs pose significant obstacles.

“Moreso, as we honor the good officers, let us weed out the bad ones because a chain is as strong as its weakest link. It is crucial that we address these issues and work together to find solutions.

“The Police need the support and cooperation of all stakeholders to overcome these challenges and build a stronger and more effective Police Force.

“I congratulate the awardees who have excelled in their respective fields of policing. Their dedication, bravery and integrity have set them apart and made them deserving of this recognition.

“I commend each and every one of them for their outstanding performance and commitment to the service of our nation. I urge them to remember that to whom much is given, much is expected.

Representatives of the families of the deceased received the awards as well as cheques for their entitlements.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf also announced a donation of N20 million to support the families of the deceased.

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima commended the Senate President and Kano State Governor for their “show of empathy” to the affected families.