Gov. Ododo Orders Immediate Demolition of SAMBEL Facility Over Security Concerns

Gov. Ododo Orders Immediate Demolition of SAMBEL Facility Over Security Concerns

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has ordered the immediate demolition of the SAMBEL Facility in Idoji, Okene Local Government Area, following intelligence reports that criminal elements with links to terrorist groups were using the location as a hideout.

The governor issued the directive during an early morning visit to the area as part of his administration’s renewed crackdown on criminal activities across the state. He declared that there would be no safe haven for criminals in any part of Kogi State.

Governor Ododo said security agencies had been instructed to intensify clearance operations statewide to flush out criminal elements and dismantle all structures being used to aid criminal activities.

“We would not negotiate with bandits,” the governor said, stressing his administration’s firm resolve to protect lives and property.

He explained that the action taken at the SAMBEL Facility was based on credible intelligence, adding that the government would not hesitate to take decisive measures against any location found to be aiding or harbouring criminals.

The governor further emphasised that security is a collective responsibility, calling on residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could help prevent criminal activities.

According to him, meaningful progress in tackling insecurity can only be achieved through collaboration between the government, security agencies and the public.

Ododo noted that the demolition exercise forms part of broader efforts by his administration to restore peace, maintain law and order, and guarantee the safety of all residents of the state.

He recalled that in December 2025, the Kogi State Government rolled out sweeping emergency security measures empowering authorities to pursue criminals and their sponsors in line with existing laws and legislations against violent crimes, regardless of their location within the state.

The governor reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining the offensive against criminality, warning that any individual or group found to be supporting or shielding criminal elements would face the full weight of the law.