The Kogi State Government has commenced the demolition of buildings identified as criminal camps in Sambell community, Idoji, within Okene Local Government Area, as part of efforts to curb rising insecurity in the state.
The exercise, ordered by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, began on Thursday morning with security operatives, supported by heavy-duty equipment, moving into the community to pull down structures allegedly used by criminal gangs. The operation was still ongoing at the time of filing this report.
State officials said the action followed weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering, which linked the area to repeated incidents of violent crime across Okene, Ajaokuta, Lokoja and adjoining corridors. According to the officials, the enclave had become a safe haven for armed robbers, kidnappers and other criminal elements.
A senior government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the operation, said the governor approved the demolition after several security breaches were traced to the area.
“The intelligence reports were clear. These structures were being used to harbour criminals, store weapons and plan attacks,” the official said, adding that the administration would not allow any part of the state to serve as a sanctuary for criminal gangs.
Kogi State has experienced a surge in security challenges in recent months, including highway robberies, abductions and attacks on communities in central and eastern parts of the state. Residents of Okene and neighbouring areas have frequently complained of night-time attacks, illegal checkpoints and gunmen retreating to nearby hideouts.
A security source involved in the operation said the demolition formed part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal infrastructure rather than focus solely on arrests.
“You cannot fight crime and leave the hideouts intact. Once these camps are destroyed, it becomes harder for criminals to regroup and launch attacks,” the source said.
The state government said the action aligns with Governor Ododo’s pledge to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to criminality and protect lives and property. While some residents expressed concern over the impact of the demolition, others welcomed the move, describing it as long overdue.
The government added that security operations would continue in identified flashpoints, warning that any location found to be aiding criminal activities would face similar action.
