I won’t negotiate with criminals – Kogi governor

Kogi State governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has declared that his administration would not negotiate with criminals, vowing instead to confront and crush all threats to peace. This comes as Vice President Kashim Shettima warned that entrenched forces are actively sabotaging efforts to stabilize Nigeria. Both leaders spoke at the Kogi State Security Summit and Fundraising […]

Kogi State governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has declared that his administration would not negotiate with criminals, vowing instead to confront and crush all threats to peace.

This comes as Vice President Kashim Shettima warned that entrenched forces are actively sabotaging efforts to stabilize Nigeria.

Both leaders spoke at the Kogi State Security Summit and Fundraising held in Abuja, where stakeholders from the government and private sector pledged billions of naira to support the state’s Security Trust Fund—an initiative aimed at raising N500 billion.

Speaking through the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, Shettima said Nigeria faces a complex web of security challenges driven by “agents of chaos and profiteers of conflict” who thrive on instability.

He cautioned that such elements remain determined to frustrate the peace-building efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

“We cannot afford complacency. The enemies of peace are organized, deliberate and adaptive. They are always lurking in the shadows to sabotage every effort to restore order and secure lives and livelihoods,” he said.

Governor Ododo on his part said his administration would adopt zero tolerance for criminality, insisting that the era of appeasement was over.

“I will not negotiate with criminals. I was not elected to pamper enemies of our peace. Those who choose crime must be ready to face the full weight of the law,” he declared.

He stressed that security remains the bedrock of development, noting that no meaningful investment or economic growth can thrive in an atmosphere of fear and instability.

Also speaking, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, underscored the link between security and development, warning that military solutions alone cannot end insecurity.