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Ododo says top bandit commanders have moved into Kogi, prompting an urgent security overhaul.
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State imposes 4 p.m. daily activity restriction as government rejects ransom payments or negotiations.
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Police dismiss rumours of bandit invasion in Lokoja as fake news, warn against spreading panic.
Governor Usman Ododo has raised serious security concerns in Kogi State, revealing that intelligence reports have confirmed the relocation of major bandit commanders into the state within the last three days.
Speaking on Thursday in Lokoja after an emergency security and stakeholders’ meeting involving service chiefs and traditional rulers, the governor said operatives have already traced the movements of several top commanders to specific locations across the state.
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“The major commanders of the bandits have relocated to Kogi State for the past three days. We will not wait for them to fight us. We will take the fight to them,” Mr Ododo declared.
He assured residents that his administration would not negotiate or pay ransom to criminals under any circumstances, stressing that citizens must remain vigilant as the government adjusts its security strategy.
“This is a challenging period. We are not bowing to criminals, and we will not negotiate with them. We will instead sensitise our people to be more security conscious,” he said.
To strengthen security operations, the governor announced a restriction of daily activities to 4:00 p.m. until further notice.
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He also directed churches, mosques, event centres, and other public establishments to adjust their schedules accordingly.
He noted that collective effort was needed to confront the emerging threats.
“We must put our heads together to save our people. Leadership demands sustainable solutions at a time like this,” Mr Ododo added.
The governor’s remarks followed online rumours suggesting that bandits had already taken over communities in Lokoja, including Zango, Crusher, and Felele.
However, the Kogi State Police Command dismissed the reports as false and an attempt to cause panic. Police spokesperson William Aya warned that spreading misinformation would attract arrest and prosecution.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, warns those peddling rumours of bandit invasion to desist. Anyone found guilty of spreading false alarms will be arrested and prosecuted,” the statement read.
The heightened security alert comes as several states in the North-Central region battle violent attacks and rising bandit activity.
