16/12/2025
EXECUTIVE PROCLAMATION ON SECURITY PROTOCOLS IN KOGI STATE, 2025
BY HIS EXCELLENCY, ALHAJI AHMED USMAN ODODO, FCA
EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF KOGI STATE
WHEREAS
1. Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government;
2. Sections 5(2) and 176(2) of the Constitution vest the executive powers of Kogi State in the Governor, to be exercised for the maintenance of public order, public safety, and good governance in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of the State;
3. By the above provisions, the Governor of Kogi State is constitutionally empowered to take lawful executive and administrative measures to support security agencies in the protection of lives, properties, and territorial integrity of the State;
4. Kogi State has, in recent times, faced evolving security threats, including infiltration by criminal elements masquerading as security operatives, as well as acts of support and logistics provided to bandits and other criminal groups;
5. It has, therefore, become necessary to strengthen security coordination, accountability, and preventive measures without declaring a state of emergency or suspending fundamental rights in the state.
NOW THEREFORE, I, ALHAJI AHMED USMAN ODODO, FCA, Governor of Kogi State, in the exercise of the executive powers conferred upon me by the Constitution and the laws of Kogi State, do hereby issue this Executive Proclamation on Security Protocols as follows:
1. Any individual or organisation that knowingly identifies with, supports, harbours, aids, abets, or shows material solidarity with bandits or other criminal elements operating within Kogi State or granting support of whatsoever kind from outside Kogi State shall be treated as a criminal collaborator and hence dealt with in accordance with the law.
2. Any vendor, supplier, transporter, or commercial entity that knowingly provides goods, services, logistics, funding, food, fuel, communication facilities, or any form of material assistance to bandits or criminal groups operating within Kogi State shall be deemed to be aiding criminal activities and shall be investigated, arrested, and prosecuted under applicable laws.
3. Any person, group, or professional body, including any individual or firm, found to be knowingly facilitating, financing, shielding, or providing professional cover for bandits or terrorist organisations in Kogi State beyond what is permitted under the law shall be treated as criminal collaborators and subjected to investigation and prosecution in accordance with due process. *All properties found to have been used for such criminal activities shall be forfeited to the state*. Nothing in this provision shall be construed to criminalise lawful legal representation carried out in good faith and in line with constitutional guarantees.
4. Henceforth, all security operatives entering or operating within Kogi State shall be required to properly identify themselves and present valid operational credentials when required. To this end, security agencies operating in the State shall be subject to verification and clearance by a Security Monitoring Team comprising representatives of:
The Armed Forces of Nigerian,
The Nigeria Police Force,
The Department of State Services (DSS), and
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and all other Paramilitary organizations.
5. Any individual found impersonating a security operative or operating without valid identification and authorisation shall be immediately arrested, investigated, and charged to court in accordance with the law. This measure is aimed at curbing the alarming infiltration of fake and unauthorised persons posing as security agents within the State.
6. The Security Monitoring Team shall be strategically stationed at border communities and key entry points into Kogi State. Security operatives from other States or formations entering Kogi State for operations shall be required to properly identify themselves and obtain necessary clearance in line with inter-agency protocols. Any VIP or organisation that comes into the state with fake security personnel shall be made to face the full wrath of the law.
7. This Proclamation is issued solely to strengthen the security architecture of Kogi State, enhance coordination among security agencies, and protect citizens from criminal elements, including the danger posed by fake security personnel.
Nothing in this Proclamation shall be interpreted as:
A declaration of a state of emergency;
A suspension of the Constitution; or
An authorisation for unlawful arrest, detention, or infringement of fundamental rights.
8. This Proclamation shall take effect upon publication in the Kogi State Official Gazette.
GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL
at Lokoja, Kogi State, this 16th day of December , 2025.
H. E. ALHAJI AHMED USMAN ODODO
Executive Governor of Kogi State
