By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on Tuesday issued a sweeping executive proclamation tightening security protocols across the state, ordering mandatory identity verification for all security personnel and warning that anyone aiding criminals will face prosecution.

Speaking at the Government House in Lokoja while receiving a large cache of recovered arms and ammunition, Ododo stressed that the move does not amount to a declaration of a state of emergency.

“This measure is solely to strengthen the security architecture of Kogi State,” the governor said. “It is not, and should not be interpreted as, a suspension of the constitution or fundamental human rights.”

The proclamation, announced December 16, 2025, is grounded in constitutional provisions that assign government primary responsibility for the security and welfare of citizens, Ododo said. He cited sections of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution that empower state governors to take lawful executive action to maintain public order and safety.

Under the new rules, individuals or organizations found knowingly supporting, harboring, or assisting bandits, terrorists, or other criminal groups will be treated as collaborators and prosecuted under the law. Businesses and vendors accused of supplying food, fuel, logistics, funding, or communication services to criminal groups will also face investigation and possible prosecution.

The governor said all movable and immovable assets used in the commission of such crimes would be forfeited to the Kogi State government, while emphasizing that lawful activities carried out in good faith remain protected.

In a bid to counter what officials describe as rising cases of impersonation, Ododo directed that all security personnel operating in Kogi State must present valid identification and operational authorization when required.

A multi-agency Security Monitoring Team — comprising the Armed Forces, Police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other paramilitary bodies — will now verify and clear operatives working within the state.

“Anyone impersonating a security operative or operating without valid authorization will be arrested, investigated and charged to court,” Ododo warned.

Security monitoring teams will be deployed to border communities and key entry points, while operatives from outside the state must obtain clearance before conducting operations in Kogi.

Arms cache recovered,
The announcement came as security agencies presented an assortment of recovered weapons intercepted during coordinated operations on Monday night. Authorities said no arrests were made during the seizure.

Items recovered include dozens of rifles and pistols, two general-purpose machine guns, more than 500 rounds of armor-piercing ammunition, magazines, cartridge belts and other military hardware.

Ododo praised security agencies for what he called their vigilance and commitment, while issuing a stern warning to criminal groups operating in the state.

“We will take the fight directly to their hideouts,” he said, adding that the government would not negotiate with criminals.

Kogi State, which borders ten other Nigerian states, faces unique security challenges, the governor noted, but he insisted his administration remains “equal to the task” of restoring peace.

We’re out to serve the people, that’s why we are here “, Governor Ododo said.