By Ahmed Muhammed Danasabe
Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria — Jan 19, 2026(Series News Online)
Kogi State Government has unveiled two security drones, PH 20 UAS, and other advanced technological support assets to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and organized criminality in the state.
Governor Ahmed Ododo, who unveiled the equipment at the 12 Brigade Headquarters, Chari-Maigumeri Barracks, Lokoja, said the drones have advanced surveillance, monitoring, and response capabilities.
"These drones have advanced surveillance, monitoring, and response capabilities. They can operate in difficult terrains, penetrate forested hideouts, support real-time intelligence gathering, and where necessary, enable precision-led operations against terrorists and bandits," Ododo said.
The Governor noted that the investment marks a major step forward in strengthening the state's security architecture and ensuring that criminals have no hiding place in Kogi State.
"We have 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," he added.
Ododo stated that the government has recruited and equipped hunters across the 21 local government areas to support operations in forests and hard-to-reach areas.
State Security Adviser, CDR Jerry Omodara (Rtd), said the administration of Alhaji Ahmed Ododo has made it clear that the era of passive governance is over.
"The acquisition of two PH 20 UAS drones and other support assets represents a conscious decision by the government to move beyond the current technical inventory available in the State and further embrace modern, intelligence-driven governance," Omodara said.
The drones will provide real-time aerial surveillance, terrain mapping, and enhanced communication capabilities to support security operations.
Ododo warned criminals that the government will not negotiate with them and will not surrender to criminality.
"Let me be very clear: this administration will not submit to criminality. We 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," he said.
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Security