The Kogi State Government has launched a major security operation in Okene Local Government Area, demolishing buildings identified as criminal hideouts in a decisive move to curb rising insecurity across the state.
The demolition exercise, ordered by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, took place on Thursday in the Sambell community of Idoji, Okene, following intelligence reports linking the area to a wave of violent crimes. Security operatives, supported by heavy-duty equipment, moved into the community early in the day and began pulling down structures allegedly used by criminal gangs to plan and coordinate attacks. The operation was still ongoing at the time of filing this report.
State officials said the action followed weeks of sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering, which revealed that the enclave had evolved into a safe haven for armed robbers, kidnappers, and other criminal elements responsible for attacks in Okene, Ajaokuta, Lokoja, and nearby routes.
A senior government official, who spoke under condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the operation, said Governor Ododo approved the demolition after repeated security breaches were traced to the area.
“The intelligence reports were clear and disturbing,” the official said. “These structures were being used to harbour criminals, store weapons, and plan attacks. The governor has made it clear that Kogi State will not provide shelter for criminal gangs.”
Kogi has faced growing security challenges in recent months, including highway robberies, abduction of commuters, attacks on rural communities, and violent incidents linked to armed groups operating from forested and hard-to-reach settlements. Residents of Okene and surrounding areas have repeatedly complained of night-time attacks, illegal checkpoints, and gunmen fleeing into known hideouts after carrying out operations.
A security source directly involved in the exercise said the demolition marked a shift toward dismantling criminal infrastructure, not just arresting suspects.
Read also:
- Obaseki laments incessant strikes, pledges to meet demands on AAU
- Veteran journalist, co-founder of Newswatch Magazine Yakubu Mohammed dies at 75
- Activists unveil Public Interest Lawyering Initiative
“You cannot effectively fight crime while leaving the camps intact,” the source said. “Once these hideouts are destroyed, it becomes far more difficult for criminals to regroup, hide weapons, or launch new attacks.”
The Kogi State Government described the operation as part of a broader security strategy aligned with Governor Ododo’s pledge to protect lives and property across the state.
“The governor has consistently maintained a zero-tolerance stance on criminality,” another official said. “Law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear. This operation is targeted strictly at those aiding and abetting crime.”
Reactions within the community were mixed. While some residents expressed concern about the impact of the demolition, many others welcomed the move, describing it as long overdue.
“For years we have lived with fear and uncertainty,” a resident said. “If this action will finally bring peace to our area, then it is necessary.”
The state government warned that security operations would continue across identified flashpoints, stressing that any location found to be supporting criminal activities would face similar enforcement action.
