The Kogi State Government has launched two security drones, PH 20 Unmanned Aerial Systems, to strengthen the fight against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping across the state.
Governor Ahmed Ododo unveiled the drones on Monday at the headquarters of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Lokoja, describing the initiative as part of ongoing efforts to reinforce the state’s security architecture and safeguard lives and property.
According to the governor, the drones are expected to boost surveillance, monitoring, and rapid response capabilities, while supporting real-time intelligence gathering and precision-led security operations.
He added that the state government has also intensified grassroots intelligence efforts, formally absorbed 2,752 Vigilante Service personnel into the civil service, and recruited hunters to support security operations in forests and hard-to-reach areas.
Other measures include sustained clearance operations, the construction of a Quick Response Unit, and the provision of patrol vehicles, motorcycles, and communication equipment.
According to the governor, “We constructed and equipped a Quick Response Unit to ensure rapid deployment to security threats.
“We procured and distributed patrol vehicles, operational vans, thousands of motorcycles, bulletproof vests, helmets, communication gadgets, and other equipment to enhance mobility, safety, and effectiveness.
“Today’s unveiling of these drones builds on these efforts. It strengthens our ability to see threats early, respond faster, deny criminals territory, and protect our people better.
“From our clearance operations and lawful interceptions, we have seen how criminals adapt, relocate, and regroup.
“TheThat is why we are constantly upgrading our human and technical intelligence. Security is dynamic, and as criminals evolve, we will continue to stay ahead of them.
“The drones unveiled today will allow us to monitor forests, track movements, disrupt criminal supply routes, and neutralize threats before they mature.
“We sympathized deeply with those affected by criminal activities. Our hearts are with you. Let me assure you: this government is in full control. We are determined, we are prepared, and we will secure every Kogi citizen.
“Let me be very clear here: this administration will not submit to criminality.
“We have said it before, and we will say it again today, Kogi State will not negotiate with criminals. We will not surrender our communities.
“We will not allow bandits or terrorists to take over any part of our land. Government must be in charge, not bandits, not kidnappers, not criminal sponsors. Our government is fully prepared to confront, attack, and defeat all criminal elements operating within our territory.
“If any criminal group was in doubt about our determination, the unveiling of these drones should clear that doubt. To the criminals, I say this plainly: your time is running out. Kogi State’s strategic location as the gateway between the North and the South makes security a serious responsibility. Our forests, borders, and movement corridors have in the past been targeted by criminal elements displaced from other regions. We studied these threats carefully and we responded with action, not excuses.
“Over the last two years, our administration has recorded clear achievements in the security sector. We have built a strong, intelligence-led security framework that combines technology, community participation, inter-agency cooperation, and political will. Today, Kogi State stands as the most peaceful state in the North Central zone, and we are determined to be the safest state in Nigeria.
“We strengthened grassroots intelligence by building security structures across all 239 political wards. We formally absorbed 2,752 Vigilante Service personnel into the civil service to improve welfare, discipline, and professionalism. We recruited and equipped hunters across the 21 local government areas to support operations in forests and hard-to-reach areas. We have also sustained clearance operations in several flashpoints, reclaiming territories previously threatened by criminal elements.
“We constructed and equipped a Quick Response Unit to ensure rapid deployment to security threats. We procured and distributed patrol vehicles, operational vans, thousands of motorcycles, bulletproof vests, helmets, communication gadgets, and other equipment to enhance mobility, safety, and effectiveness. Today’s unveiling of these drones builds on these efforts. It strengthens our ability to see threats early, respond faster, deny criminals territory, and protect our people better.
“From our clearance operations and lawful interceptions, we have seen how criminals adapt, relocate, and regroup. That is why we are constantly upgrading our human and technical intelligence. Security is dynamic, and as criminals evolve, we will continue to stay ahead of them. The drones unveiled today will allow us to monitor forests, track movements, disrupt criminal supply routes, and neutralized threats before they mature. We sympathized deeply with those affected by criminal activities. Our hearts are with you. Let me assure you: this government is in full control. We are determined, we are prepared, and we will secure every Kogi citizen.”
In a remark, the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd), said the drones would provide real-time aerial surveillance, terrain mapping, and rapid intelligence gathering, particularly across forest corridors and border routes. He noted that the deployment aligns with Governor Ododo’s commitment to asserting government presence and authority in every part of Kogi State.
