Govt seeks rural intel to tackle crime in Kogi

The Kogi State Government has called on residents, especially in rural communities, to actively support the state’s security architecture by volunteering credible intelligence that will aid in the identification and arrest of criminal elements threatening peace and security.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, made the appeal during a press briefing in Lokoja on Tuesday, emphasising the critical role grassroots communities play in the ongoing efforts to sustain security gains across the state.

“Our security agencies are working tirelessly to keep our people safe, but they cannot do it alone. We are calling on our people, especially those in rural areas where some of these criminal elements hide, to assist with credible and timely information that will lead to their arrest,” Fanwo said.

He stressed that the government remains committed to protecting the identity of informants and ensuring their safety, urging communities not to shield criminals under any guise.

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“Security is a collective responsibility. When we fail to speak out, we embolden the enemies of our peace.

“The Chief Servant of the State, His Excellency Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo has made security a top priority, and we must all join hands to consolidate on the progress made so far,” he added.

Fanwo also highlighted the importance of trust between the government, security agencies, and citizens, assuring that actionable intelligence will be treated with the urgency and confidentiality it deserves.

“The Office of State Security Adviser under the leadership of Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd) is doing a lot to recalibrate the security architecture and bring more community involvement.

“The Office has handled Intel in the most professional and confidential way possible. We can only win the war when everyone in the society sees security as a general responsibility”, he said.

The government reiterated its zero-tolerance stance against criminality, vowing that those found complicit, either by action or inaction will face the full weight of the law.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE