Shettima commends Kogi security summit, says proactive measures key to tackling threats
…”My administration will not negotiate with criminals, says Ododo …address poverty, infrastructural deficit to end insecurity in Kogi – Zulum Vice President Kashim Shettima has commended the Kogi State Government
..."My administration will not negotiate with criminals, says Ododo
...address poverty, infrastructural deficit to end insecurity in Kogi - Zulum
Vice President Kashim Shettima has commended the Kogi State Government for organizing a security summit and fundraising initiative aimed at strengthening security in the state.
He said the move reflects urgency, foresight, and a sense of responsibility in addressing emerging security challenges.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday at the Kogi State security summit and fundraising event, the Vice President noted that a responsive nation does not wait for threats to escalate before taking action.
Represented by the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Ahamadu, Shettima described Kogi as a strategically significant state within the federation.
He said, “Kogi State occupies a strategic place in the geography of our federation. It is a meeting point of regions, a gateway of commerce, a corridor of movement, and a bridge between communities. That is a blessing, but it also imposes a solemn obligation.
“A state with such strategic importance must think beyond its borders, anticipate risks before they escalate, and respond with clarity and resolve. That is why this summit is both timely and necessary.”
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Shettima noted that Nigeria is grappling with complex security challenges driven by factors such as prolonged neglect, economic pressures, communal tensions, and criminal activities.
He stressed the need for coordinated and forward-looking responses to effectively address these threats and safeguard public safety.
"For this reason, we have no luxury of rest. We cannot retreat into complacency because the agents of chaos and profiteers of conflict are always lurking in the shadows, determined to sabotage every effort we roll out to build peace, restore order, and secure lives and livelihoods across the country. The enemies of peace are organized, deliberate, and adaptable. So our response must be organized, deliberate, and adaptive."
He noted that President Bola Tinubu has made confronting security lapses a top priority for his administration.
He said, "President Tinubu understands with unmistakable clarity that without security there can be no durable development, no meaningful investment, no stable communities, and no credible future. That is why the federal government continues to apply both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to address the challenges before us.
"We are strengthening operational capacity, supporting inter-agency coordination, improving intelligence, and investing in the conditions that make peace sustainable. Initiatives such as this one complement ongoing efforts."
He also commended the State Government for the proposed establishment of logistic bases across the three senatorial districts to strengthen coordination and improve response capability.
Also speaking, the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, vowed that his administration will not negotiate with criminals.
Ododo, while noting that those who disturb the peace of the state will not enjoy peace, added that the state will not bow to fear and lawlessness.
He promised to do everything within his power to confront, crush, and defeat insecurity in the State.
The Governor also appealed to investors and business communities to contribute to the restructuring of the Kogi State Security Trust Fund.
He said, "Let me also be clear about the fact that this administration will not negotiate with criminals. I was not elected to pamper the enemies of our peace. I was elected to ensure those who disturb our peace also do not enjoy peace. We will not bow to fear, and we will not surrender our communities to lawlessness.
"Those who choose the path of crime must be prepared to face the full weight of the law. We will confront them, we will crush them, and by the grace of God and the collective resolve of our people, we will defeat them".
On the importance of the N500b security trust fund, Ododo said, "In recent times, we have witnessed emerging threats, including criminal networks operating in forested and remote areas, the use of technology by criminals to evade detection, and cross-border movements that threaten our peace. These challenges require urgent, proactive, and intelligence-driven responses
"I must clearly state that the government cannot do it alone. The scale and complexity of the challenges require a collective effort. Through the restructuring of the Kogi State Security Trust Fund, we are creating a transparent and inclusive platform that allows individuals, corporate organisations, and institutions to contribute meaningfully to the security of our state.
"I appeal to investors and the business community operating within our state. Kogi State has provided an enabling environment for your enterprises to grow and prosper; it is only right that we work together to sustain that environment.
"Security is the backbone of economic success, and businesses that are thriving here must see their contributions to security as both a responsibility and a strategic investment. By supporting our security initiatives, you are not only protecting your investments but also helping to secure the future of our state.
"Today, I make a passionate appeal for your support. Your contributions are not just donations; they are investments in peace, stability, and prosperity. When security is strengthened, businesses thrive, investments grow, communities flourish, and lives are protected".
The Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum urged Kogi State to adopt modern technology and tackle poverty, illiteracy and infrastructural deficit in its fight against insecurity.
He noted that Borno reduced its security challenges by over 90 per cent through similar measures.
Zulum, while stressing the link between peace and development, said that without peace and security, there will be no development.
He noted that addressing security challenges requires a humongous amount of funding.
According to Zulum, "Borno State has been facing security challenges for the last decade, but by the will of the Lord, and with our commitment, we surmounted our security challenges, and reduced our security problems by over 90 percent."
On strategy to confront insecurity, Zulum stated, “Kinetic measures alone will not end the insurgency. We need modern equipment capable of dealing with the insurgency. Countries are using artificial intelligence, robotics, and drones to address lingering security challenges because it is very difficult to deal with an enemy that cannot be seen.
"The socio-economic and political dimensions of the crisis are very important. Increasing poverty, increasing climate vulnerabilities, increasing Infrastructure deficits and increasing illiteracy are factors we must consider.
"Without addressing the underlying factors, such as poverty, road infrastructures, agriculture, illiteracy, amongst others, insecurity will never end."
