Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi, on Wednesday, vowed to lead and win the war against criminal elements in the state.

Mr Ododo stated this during the inauguration of the Nigeria Police Metropolitan Quick Response Unit office complex in Lokoja.

The Ododo administration initiated and executed the project within 90 days as part of measures to enhance the security network in the state.

The governor said his administration would not condone security breaches, warning that: “I’m decisive in taking the fight to criminal elements’ hideout to wipe them out completely in the state.

“This is because my administration is not one that will be preoccupied with trying to deal with security challenges without an end.

“I am not here to do my best. I am here to defeat criminals.

“In fact, we are winning the war against insecurity and we are very intentional about our work to strengthen the state’s security architecture.”

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to combat crimes and ensure the safety and security of lives and property of the people.

According to Mr Ododo, the Metropolitan Quick Response operation is a proactive step to enhance security and build upon the solid foundation of the state’s security architecture, which started under the administration of Yahaya Bello.

“Nothing would be spared to guarantee safety and security in every inch of the state.

“The Metropolitan Quick Response Squad aims to ensure a safe environment for all residents and visitors in Kogi, with a focus on 24-hour response capability, enhanced intelligence gathering, and community-based approach to policing,” he said.

While commending the security agencies for their dedication and sacrifices, Mr Ododo pledged to prioritise technological enablers to enhance intelligence-gathering capabilities in combating emerging security threats.

He acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to reverse security challenges nationwide and pledged continued support to the federal government’s war against terrorism.

The governor enjoined residents of the state to be vigilant and to provide credible information to the security agencies to eliminate criminal elements.

The Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha, commended the governor for his resilience in tackling crimes in the state.

Mr Onuoha said the edifice would give the response squad ample space to operate and help the police and other agencies in dealing with criminal elements.

The Quick Response Squad is a security initiative in partnership with the Rapid Response Squad of the Nigeria Police and the state’s joint task force to tackle criminal activities.

(NAN)