The Kogi State Government has rolled out a coordinated multi-agency security operation aimed at protecting worship centres, schools and other vulnerable locations across the state.
The initiative stems from a directive issued by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in response to recent attacks on worshippers and learning institutions in nearby states.
Lokoja Local Government Area Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, announced the development after holding a security review meeting with heads of various agencies in the state capital.
Following the closed-door session, the Lokoja Area Commander of the Nigeria Police, ACP Abubakar Umar, explained that security formations met with the local council chairman to assess the security environment and put in place immediate preventive steps in Lokoja and surrounding communities.
According to him, the new security framework will see five joint teams—comprising personnel from the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilante units—intensify patrols in remote areas, particularly around churches, mosques and schools, while also discouraging nighttime gatherings in high-risk locations.
He added that patrol activities and mapping of strategic points will commence at once, to be followed by community sensitisation and an enforcement drive that takes effect immediately.
Umar urged residents and religious institutions to support the initiative, stressing that the operation is designed to prevent avoidable incidents and maintain peace across the state.
