Kogi Governor Rules Out Negotiation With Criminals, Vows Tough Security Action
Nigeria’s security conversation took a hard line in Abuja as Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, declared that his administration will not enter into any form of negotiation with criminals.
He made the position known at a security summit and fundraising event where government officials, security stakeholders, and private sector representatives gathered to support the Kogi State Security Trust Fund. The initiative is aimed at raising funds to strengthen security operations in the state.
Ododo said his government is focused on confronting criminal activities directly and ensuring strict enforcement of the law. He maintained that individuals involved in crime should expect firm action rather than engagement or compromise.
The event also drew attention to wider national security concerns. Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented at the summit, warned that insecurity in Nigeria is being sustained by individuals and groups who benefit from instability. He said such actors deliberately undermine efforts to restore peace and security across the country.
Shettima stressed the need for stronger coordination and sustained commitment to counter those he described as working against national stability.
Also speaking at the event, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum said insecurity cannot be resolved through military action alone. He called for a combination of security operations and development driven approaches to achieve lasting peace.
The summit featured commitments from stakeholders toward supporting the Security Trust Fund, which has a funding target set to improve security infrastructure and response capacity in Kogi State.
