In a renewed push to curb banditry and other security threats, the Kogi State Government has deployed two HP-20 State Asset Drones to enhance surveillance and rapid-response operations across the state.
The drones were unveiled on Monday at the Chari Maigumeri Barracks in Lokoja by Governor Usman Ododo, who described the move as a strategic investment aimed at sustaining peace and preventing criminal elements from gaining a foothold in Kogi State.
According to a statement by the state government, the unveiling attracted top military commanders, security stakeholders, and government officials, underscoring the importance of technology in the administration’s security strategy.
Governor Ododo emphasized the drones are equipped with advanced surveillance and monitoring systems capable of operating in difficult terrains, providing real-time intelligence and supporting precision-led operations against criminal groups.
“These priority drones have advanced surveillance, monitoring, and response capabilities. They can operate in difficult terrains, provide real-time intelligence, enable precision-led operations against terrorists, and offer early detection of suspicious movements,” the governor said.
He noted that the technology would significantly improve coordination among security agencies and allow for faster, intelligence-driven deployment of personnel when threats are detected.
Reaffirming his administration’s resolve, the governor issued a stern warning to criminal elements operating in or around the state.
“We will not surrender our communities. We will not allow bandits or terrorists to take over any part of our land. The government must be in charge not bandits, not kidnappers,” Ododo declared.
The governor also referenced Kogi’s strategic position as a gateway between Northern and Southern Nigeria, explaining that the state’s forests and border communities had previously attracted criminals fleeing pressure from other regions.
“We studied these threats carefully, and we responded with action, not excuses,” he said.
Reviewing his administration’s security efforts over the past two years, Ododo assured Kogi has built a strong framework based on