TheCable

Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi, says his administration will flush out all criminal elements in the state.

Ododo, who was represented by Jerry Omodara, Kogi security adviser, spoke on Friday in Lokoja, the state capital, during the passing out parade of 132 rank and file of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

“Security is work in progress. Now that there is a new government, we have realised that there is a fight back by criminals, but we have a solid foundation as far as security is concerned in Kogi,” NAN quoted Ododo as saying.

“That is the reason we quickly reviewed the security architecture of the state. We are already sniffing them out.

“We have issues of almost three kidnapped cases simultaneously along Obajana-Kabba road that almost gave us another bad name.

“I can assure you today that the state has tackled them very well; we are determined to flush out criminals from our dear state.”

Ododo urged security agencies to work in synergy to keep Kogi state safe.

He commended the NSCDC for its role in protecting lives and property in the country.

On his part, Paul Igwebuike, Kogi NSCDC commandant, urged the newly recruited officers to serve the country with sincerity and dedication.

“Our security situation continues to be uncertain and fluid with persisting combination of conventional and unconventional challenges,” Igwebuike said.

“You will, therefore, see yourselves being involved in a variety of tasks; your graduation today is not the end, but a new beginning of your training and education in the corps.

“Security keeping is a serious business, and all hands must be on deck. Vandalism and all that is associated with it will come to an end in Kogi state.”