Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi has empowered the newly recruited 1,050 hunters with security gadgets and safety materials to boost community policing.

Mr Ododo, who superintended over the gadgets’ distribution on Thursday in Lokoja, charged the hunters to deal decisively with criminals and ensure the protection of lives and property across the state.

The governor maintained that the security of lives and property remained his number one responsibility to the people of Kogi.

“Our resolve to evolve a grassroots-led security approach and engage our hunters was amplified by their courageous and professional conduct during our rescue efforts that led to the release of 29 of the 31 Kidnapped students from CUSTECH.

“Our faith in the people-led security approach as a new strategy is a clear manifestation of our determination to recalibrate our security architecture,” he said.

He commended the Kogi House of Assembly for the prompt approval of the recruitment of 1,050 hunters to complement the efforts of the conventional security agencies.

“We are at an advanced stage to ensure the lives of the hunters, and we are also distributing security gadgets and safety materials such as Level 4 ballistic vests to fend off bullet attacks as well as boots to help them move around in the forests unhurt among other materials.

“In our fight against terror, we must agree that battlefields have changed and technology has evolved.

“We are determined to fight at different levels and secure our land and people. Kogi will be steps ahead of the enemies of peace,” he said.

The governor advised the hunters to exhibit the highest level of responsibility and discipline in the discharge of their duties, expressing his confidence in their capacity, discipline, patriotism and professionalism.

Mr Ododo said his administration was determined to combine kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to ensure security.

“We are creating an environment that is birthing new jobs for our teeming youths. We are making education free to ensure every child is educated.

“However, we will go after the criminal elements with our wall of strength. We shall win,” the governor added.

He urged the hunters to collaborate effectively with security agencies devoid of any rivalry.

Mr Ododo thanked President Bola Tinubu for making it possible for states to introduce local solutions to curtail the activities of criminals. He commended the National Security Adviser for constantly supporting efforts to make Kogi safe for all.

He appreciated the heads of security agencies for giving proper orientation to the recruited hunters on the rules of their engagement, adding that the collaboration had been the energy driving security success in Kogi.

In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police in Kogi, Bertrand Onuoha, commended the governor for his foresight in securing lives and property in the state.

(NAN)