Yahaya Bello: We won’t allow anyone smuggle insecurity into Kogi through politics

Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi, says he will not allow anyone to “smuggle” insecurity into the state through the “boot of politics”.

Bello said this on Monday when he received Usman Baba, inspector-general of police (IGP), in the state.

He said credible intelligence reports received by the government revealed that the activities of some politicians during campaigns for the 2023 elections could cause security challenges in the state.

Bello, however, said his administration remains committed to sustaining improved security for residents.

“It is well known that prior to the inception of the current administration, our citizens lived in perpetual fear of rampaging insecurity of all kinds, including high rates of terrorism, kidnapping, bank robbery, violent political agitations, pipeline vandalism, herdsmen/farmers conflicts, inter- and intra-communal clashes, campus and other forms of cultism, amongst others,” he said.

“By the grace of God, over the last seven years, my administration has done its best to supply both the tools and the allied morale boosters that our officers need to excel.

“In our first year, we were able to buy and distribute over 200 patrol vans, over 500 motorcycles, and thousands of communications and tactical equipment to the services. We also continue to provide regular maintenance and logistical support.

“In addition, we established a joint task force, Operation Total Freedom, for them which allowed the police, the armed forces and all the other security services, including our community policing network (the Kogi state vigilante services), to work in tandem, sharing intel and collaborating real-time in operations.

“In this way we were able to tackle the distrust existing among the services and which is the root of the lack of synergy hampering their effectiveness.”

Speaking on the efforts of the security operatives, he said Edward Egbuka, commissioner of police in the state, and his personnel “stand by day and by night to secure our lives and properties”.

“We recognise their sacrifice and dedication and we do owe them a weight of gratitude for their service. Together, they form a formidable wall of defence for my people and state,” he added.