Gov Ododo Warns Security Operatives Against Night Raids, Illegal Arrests in Kogi

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has banned night arrests across the state, directing security agencies to stop invading homes and picking up residents under the cover of darkness.

Ododo issued the directive on Monday while addressing first-class traditional rulers at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Lokoja.

The governor said security personnel must ensure that arrests are carried out lawfully and during the day, stressing that no resident should be subjected to harassment or intimidation in the name of security operations.

“No arrest should be made in the night. If you have any case against anybody, wait till daytime, follow due process, invite the person lawfully,” Ododo said.

“We will not allow our people to be harassed, intimidated or picked up like criminals in the middle of the night.”

He said the directive was aimed at protecting the dignity and fundamental rights of residents, adding that security operations in the state must be conducted in a civil, lawful and humane manner.

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Ododo also asked the traditional rulers to report security personnel who violate the directive, assuring them that his administration would not condone abuse of power.

The governor, while commending the traditional rulers for their contributions to peace and security in Kogi, said their support had remained critical to the state’s efforts to combat criminality.

“Some of you go out with us to confront these criminals. Some pray with the Quran and the Bible, others with tradition. Only God will reward you,” he said.

Ododo, however, warned that the state’s security challenge was increasingly being fueled by residents providing assistance to criminals.

“Our problem now is not foreigners. It is our own brothers and sisters supplying food, logistics and information to criminals in the bush,” he said.

He specifically raised concerns over the activities of some wood-cutters and urged the traditional rulers to summon members of their associations and caution them against aiding criminals.

“If you are caught aiding criminals, we will not spare you, even if you are my brother,” the governor warned.

According to him, measures aimed at cutting off the supply routes of criminals and shutting down compromised local markets were already “making them feel the heat.”

Ododo also used the meeting to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as significant support for Kogi State, particularly in infrastructure and security.

“We will be doing ourselves a disservice if we don’t appreciate Mr. President,” the governor said.

“President Tinubu has stood firmly behind us in infrastructure, in security funding, and in ensuring prompt release of allocations for payment of salaries.”

He cited the ongoing reconstruction of the Abuja-Lokoja-Okene-Benin highway as evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving critical infrastructure and strengthening economic connectivity.

The governor also praised Tinubu’s efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture and support security initiatives in Kogi, which he said had helped restore peace to several communities.

Ododo further appealed for support for the Chief of Army Staff, stressing that those responsible for protecting the country also needed the backing of Nigerians.

“If somebody providing security for the whole nation, his own house is not safe and peaceful, then it means we are not supporting him and we are not appreciating him,” he said.

As political activities intensify ahead of the forthcoming general election, the governor urged traditional rulers to use their influence to promote peace and discourage violence in their communities.

Ododo said political campaigns should focus on issues rather than religion or ethnicity, warning against the use of politics to divide the people.

“We cannot be killing ourselves to get to a position. Campaign should be issue-based, not about religion or ethnicity. We are all Kogites,” he said.

He urged the traditional rulers to work with community leaders, youths and political stakeholders to ensure that the election is conducted peacefully and that residents are able to exercise their democratic rights without fear.

The governor also charged the royal fathers to remain neutral advocates for peace and prevent individuals or groups from using their communities as platforms for political violence before, during and after the election.