Kogi distributes 260 motorcycles, 10 trucks to vigilante service

The Kogi state government on Thursday presented 260 motorcycles and 10 Ford trucks to the state vigilante service in its bid to further ensure peaceful coexistence and safety of the people of the state.

The state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, said the huge investment of the state on security had been yielding results.

The governor, who spoke through the special adviser on security matters, Navy Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), said the significant improvement in security witnessed in the last 14 months in the State was testament to the considerable investment the new direction government has made in the sector.

He said the development of the state would be built on a firm foundation of peace and security.

“When we came on board, there were 93 expatriates living and working in Kogi State, today there are over 170,” Mr Omodara said.

“Before this government, Kogi was one of the many states where warnings were issued not to visit.  In the last four months, we have hosted the United States Ambassador, the British High Commissioner and the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria. These are indications  that we are getting it right and the international community has noticed the improvement. Kogi is ripe and ready for investment.

“What we are doing today is providing support for officers of the Kogi state vigilante service. One motorbike will be going to each ward in the state, and the Commander at the local government level will get an extra motorbike. This crimes to a total of 260 motorcycles. This is to aid community policing, which we believe is a vital part of our security architecture.

“The trucks will be stationed at some points along some major roads where there are flashes of armed robbery and kidnappings.”

The Commander of the Kogi state vigilante service, Col. Hassan Aliyu (RTd.), promised the judicious deployment and use of the vehicles provided. He said the service would ultimately recruit and train 3,000 officers across the state.