LOKOJA: The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has inaugurated two PH-20 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and other security assets procured by the Kogi State Government to strengthen military and security operations.
The inauguration, held on Monday at Chari Maigumeri Barracks, Lokoja, was witnessed by top military officers, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, and religious and community leaders.
Represented by the Chief of Transformation and Innovation at Army Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Olusegun Abai, the COAS said the drones would significantly enhance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations in the state.
Shaibu thanked Governor Ahmed Ododo for his support, noting that the deployment of the 21 Battalion alongside the new drones reflected a strategic, technology-driven approach to tackling banditry and terrorism.
He linked the initiative to President Bola Tinubu’s national security agenda, stressing that effective collaboration between federal and state governments remained key to achieving lasting peace in the North-Central region.
The COAS also urged residents to provide timely intelligence and reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s loyalty to the Constitution.
In his remarks, Governor Ododo described the initiative as a clear demonstration that the safety of residents remained the government’s top priority.
Warning criminal groups, he said their days were numbered, adding that Kogi’s position as a strategic North-South gateway made security a national responsibility.
Ododo highlighted security gains recorded in the last two years, including the absorption of 2,752 vigilantes, recruitment of hunters across the 21 local government areas, and the establishment of a Quick Response Unit equipped with vehicles, motorcycles and communication gadgets.
“These drones give us eyes in the sky to deny criminals any hiding place,” the governor said.
He thanked President Tinubu and the nation’s security chiefs for their support, while commending the State Security Adviser, retired Commodore Jerry Omodara, for strengthening the state’s security architecture.
The Commander, 12 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Kasim Sidi, and the Commissioner of Police, Mr Naziru Kankarofi, described the initiative as a major boost to the state’s security capabilities and technological advancement.
Earlier, Omodara said the drones would provide real-time aerial surveillance, terrain mapping and rapid intelligence across forest corridors and border routes, serving as force multipliers and reducing risks to personnel.
He added that trained operators from the Army, Police and DSS were now ready to deploy the drones under strict rules of engagement.
