The Kogi State Government has launched an intensive multi-agency security operation targeting worship centres, schools and other vulnerable public locations following rising attacks in neighbouring states.
The directive, issued by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, triggered an emergency security meeting in Lokoja where heads of major security formations met to reassess threats and deploy immediate countermeasures.
Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Area, Abdullahi Adamu, confirmed the activation of the new security framework after the closed-door meeting.
Providing details of the operation, the Lokoja Area Commander of the Nigeria Police, ACP Abubakar Umar, said security agencies have resolved to expand surveillance and strengthen presence in remote and high-risk communities.
Under the new strategy, five joint task teams—comprising officers from the Police, NSCDC, DSS and local vigilante groups—will conduct coordinated patrols around churches, mosques, schools and other soft targets, while discouraging late-night gatherings in unsecured zones.
He said mapping of sensitive locations and rapid patrol deployment begin immediately, to be followed by grassroots sensitisation campaigns and a statewide compliance operation aimed at warning potential attackers and reassuring residents.
Umar appealed for community cooperation, stressing that the proactive deployment is designed to prevent avoidable attacks and reinforce Kogi’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most secure states.