The Kogi State Government has unveiled two high-capacity PH20 surveillance drones as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security and enhance intelligence operations across the state.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo unveiled the advanced security equipment on Monday at the 12 Brigade Headquarters, Chari Maigumeri Barracks, Lokoja, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to deploying cutting edge technology to combat crime in line with global best practices.
Speaking at the event, Governor Ododo described the unveiling as a strategic and deliberate step that reflects his administration’s philosophy of firm leadership, effective territorial control and zero tolerance for criminality.
He said the deployment of the drones sends a clear message that the safety of lives and property remains the top priority of his government.
According to the governor, the PH20 surveillance drones are equipped with advanced monitoring and response capabilities that will significantly enhance real-time intelligence gathering. He explained that the drones can operate in difficult terrains, penetrate forest hideouts, monitor movement corridors and support precision led security operations 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 warned criminal elements within and around the state that his administration would neither negotiate with criminals nor surrender any part of Kogi State to banditry or terrorism.
Emphasising the state’s strategic position as the gateway between the North and the South, the governor said his administration had carefully assessed emerging security threats, including the infiltration of criminals displaced from other regions, and responded with decisive action.
Highlighting achievements recorded so far, Ododo said the administration has, over the past two years, built a robust intelligence led security framework that combines technology, community participation, inter agency collaboration and strong political will.
He disclosed that security structures have been established in all 239 political wards of the state, while 2,752 Vigilante Service personnel have been formally absorbed into the civil service to improve their welfare, discipline and professionalism.
The governor added that hunters have been recruited and equipped across the 21 local government areas to support forest and rural operations, while sustained clearance exercises have reclaimed areas previously threatened by criminal elements.
According to him, the government has also constructed and equipped a Quick Response Unit and procured patrol vehicles, operational vans, motorcycles, bulletproof vests, helmets, communication gadgets and other equipment to enhance the effectiveness of security operatives.
He noted that the introduction of the surveillance drones builds on these efforts by enabling security agencies to monitor forests, track criminal movements, disrupt supply routes and neutralise threats before they escalate.
Governor Ododo expressed sympathy with victims of criminal activities and assured residents that the government remains firmly in control and fully prepared to secure every part of the state. He also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and commitment to national security.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, represented by the Chief of Transportation and Innovation at Army Headquarters, Major General Olusegun Abai, commended the Kogi State Government for complementing federal efforts to tackle insecurity. He said the acquisition of the PH20 unmanned surveillance drones aligns with global best practices and President Tinubu’s resolve to deploy technology in addressing security challenges.
The army representative praised officers of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their sacrifices and urged residents to continue supporting security operatives with credible information.
In his remarks, the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara, said the drones are specifically targeted at combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other crimes. He explained that the PH20 drones will support terrain mapping, rapid intelligence gathering and surveillance of forest corridors and border routes previously exploited by criminals.
Commander Omodara disclosed that trained personnel have undergone more than three months of specialised training to operate the drones, urging them to maintain professionalism and adhere strictly to rules of engagement.
Also speaking, the Commander of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kasim Sidi, described the unveiling as a historic milestone that positions Kogi State as a technological pacesetter in the fight against insecurity. He assured that the drones would be deployed strictly for their intended purpose.
The Commissioner of Police, Bello Nasiru Kankarofi, warned criminals that there would be no hiding place for them, noting that the proactive security initiatives of Governor Ododo have significantly strengthened the state’s capacity to tackle crime.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, HRM Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, commended the collaboration among security agencies and pledged the continued support of traditional institutions to the state government in the fight against criminality.