Security operatives backed by heavy equipment moved into the community on Thursday morning, pulling down structures allegedly used by criminal gangs to coordinate operations. The demolition exercise was still ongoing at the time of filing this report.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has ordered the demolition of buildings identified as criminal hideouts in Sambell community, Idoji, Okene Local Government Area, following intelligence reports linking the area to persistent violent crimes across the state.
Security operatives backed by heavy equipment moved into the community on Thursday morning, pulling down structures allegedly used by criminal gangs to coordinate operations. The demolition exercise was still ongoing at the time of filing this report.
State officials said the operation followed weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering, which revealed that the enclave had become a safe haven for armed robbers, kidnappers, and other criminal elements terrorising parts of Okene, Ajaokuta, Lokoja, and surrounding corridors.
A senior government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the operation, said the governor approved decisive action after repeated security breaches traced to the area.
“The intelligence reports were clear,” the official said. “These structures were being used to harbour criminals, store weapons and plan attacks. Governor Ododo has made it clear that Kogi will not provide sanctuary for criminal gangs.”
Kogi State has witnessed a series of security challenges in recent months, including armed robberies along major highways, abduction of commuters and residents, attacks on communities in central and eastern parts of the state, and violent clashes linked to criminal gangs operating from forested and hard-to-access settlements.
Residents of Okene and neighbouring areas have repeatedly raised concerns about night-time attacks, illegal checkpoints, and gunmen fleeing into nearby hideouts after operations.
A security source involved in the operation said the demolition was part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal infrastructure rather than merely arrest suspects
“You cannot fight crime and leave the hideouts intact,” the source said. “Once these camps are destroyed, it becomes harder for criminals to regroup and launch attacks.”
The Kogi State Government said the action aligns with Governor Ododo’s pledge to take a firm stance on insecurity and protect lives and property.
“The governor has consistently stated that there will be zero tolerance for criminality,” another official said. “Law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear. This operation is targeted strictly at criminal elements.”
While some residents expressed concern about the impact of the demolition, others welcomed the move, describing it as long overdue.
“For years, we have been living in fear,” a community member said. “If this will bring peace, then it is necessary.”
The state government said security operations would continue across identified flashpoints, warning that any location found to be aiding criminal activities would face similar action.