The Kogi State Government has added aerial surveillance capability to its security architecture with the deployment of two PH20 high-capacity surveillance drones aimed at strengthening intelligence gathering and crime prevention across the state.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo formally unveiled the drones on Monday at the 12 Brigade Headquarters, Chari Maigumeri Barracks, Lokoja, describing the move as part of his administration’s resolve to deploy modern security solutions in line with global best practices.
Addressing security chiefs and stakeholders at the event, the governor said the deployment reflects a deliberate strategy rooted in firm leadership, territorial dominance and zero tolerance for criminal activities.
He said the acquisition underscores his government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property throughout the state.
According to Governor Ododo, the PH20 surveillance drones are fitted with advanced monitoring and response systems capable of strengthening real-time intelligence operations.
He explained that the equipment can function effectively in difficult terrains, access forest hideouts, observe movement corridors and support precision-based security actions against bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements.
“These drones provide early detection of suspicious movements, improve coordination among security agencies and allow for faster, intelligence-driven deployment of forces. With this investment, criminals will have no hiding place in Kogi State,” Ododo declared.
He cautioned criminal elements operating within and around the state that his administration would neither negotiate with criminals nor cede any part of Kogi State to banditry or terrorism.
Emphasising the state’s role as a critical link between northern and southern Nigeria, the governor said the government had assessed emerging security threats, including the influx of criminals displaced from other regions, and opted for decisive action rather than excuses.
Reviewing progress made so far, Ododo said the administration has, over the past two years, built an intelligence-driven security framework that integrates technology, community involvement, inter-agency cooperation and strong political will.
He disclosed that security structures are now in place across all 239 political wards, while 2,752 Vigilante Service personnel have been absorbed into the civil service to improve their welfare, discipline and professionalism.
The governor added that hunters have been recruited and equipped in all 21 local government areas to support forest and rural security operations, alongside sustained clearance exercises that have reclaimed areas previously threatened by criminal elements. He said the state has also established and equipped a Quick Response Unit, procured patrol vehicles, operational vans, motorcycles, bulletproof vests, helmets, communication gadgets and other essential equipment to strengthen security operations.
According to him, the newly deployed drones will further enhance these efforts by enabling security agencies to monitor forests, track criminal movements, disrupt supply routes and neutralise threats before they escalate.
He expressed sympathy for victims of criminal activities and assured residents that the government remains firmly in control and fully prepared to secure every part of the state.
Governor Ododo also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support and commitment to national security, while commending heads of security agencies for improved collaboration and intelligence-sharing that have contributed to better security outcomes in the state.
The Chief of Army Staff, Major General Waidi Shaibu, represented by the Chief of Transportation and Innovation at Army Headquarters, Major General Olusegun Abai, praised the Kogi State Government for complementing federal efforts to address insecurity.
He said the procurement of the two PH20 unmanned surveillance drones aligns with global best practices and supports President Tinubu’s technology-driven approach to tackling insecurity.
The army representative also acknowledged the sacrifices of officers of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies and urged residents to continue providing credible information to security operatives.
In his remarks, the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara, said the deployment targets terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities across the state.
He explained that the drones would assist in terrain mapping, rapid intelligence collection and surveillance of forest corridors and border routes long exploited by criminals, thereby closing existing intelligence gaps.
Commander Omodara revealed that trained personnel have undergone over three months of specialised instruction to operate the drones, urging them to remain professional and strictly observe rules of engagement.
Also speaking, the Commander of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kasim Sidi, described the unveiling as a landmark development that places Kogi State at the forefront of technology-driven security interventions.
He assured the governor that the drones would enhance intelligence on criminal hideouts, reduce casualties among security operatives and be deployed strictly for their intended purpose.
The Commissioner of Police, Bello Nasiru Kankarofi, warned criminal elements that escape routes are closing, noting that Governor Ododo’s proactive security initiatives have significantly strengthened the state’s crime-fighting capacity.
Representing traditional rulers, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, HRM Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, commended the strong synergy among security agencies and pledged the continued support of traditional institutions to the current administration in combating crime.
