Kogi Government Refuses to Negotiate with Bandits

The Kogi State Government has reiterated its hardline stance against criminal elements, declaring that it will never negotiate with bandits or pay ransom under any circumstances.

Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, made the declaration on Tuesday morning during an appearance on Channels Television.

“We don’t negotiate with criminals in Kogi State. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has been very clear: we will not bow to bandits. We have both the political will and the security capacity to hunt them down and neutralise them,” Fanwo said.

He stressed that the state would continue its aggressive operations against kidnappers and armed gangs, describing Kogi as “a no-go area” for criminals.

The commissioner spoke against the backdrop of a recent gun battle between kidnappers and military operatives in the state, which unfortunately led to the death of two civilians during crossfire.

While expressing regret over the loss of innocent lives, Fanwo insisted the incident demonstrated the state’s resolve, saying, “The criminals now know that any attempt to operate in Kogi will be met with overwhelming force.”

He assured residents that the Ododo administration remains committed to sustaining the state’s comprehensive security architecture to protect lives and property.