Kogi deploys CCTV, technology, vigilance groups to protect schools from kidnappers

…Credits Tinubu’s subsidy removal for infrastructure boom, backs second term

The Kogi State Government has unveiled what it described as a technology-driven security architecture to protect schools from kidnappers and other criminal elements, saying surveillance systems, trained vigilance groups and local hunters have made government-owned educational institutions safer despite rising insecurity across parts of the Country.

The State also linked its ongoing infrastructure expansion to President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, arguing that increased revenues accruing to states following the removal of petrol subsidy have enabled major investments in roads, healthcare, education and ecological projects, while boosting public support for the President ahead of the 2027 elections.

These were made known during the inspection of federal and state projects across Kogi by members of the Presidential Media Team and the Renewed Hope Ambassadors.

Speaking at the GYB Model Science Secondary School, Nagazi, Kingsley Fanwo, Kogi Commissioner for Information and Communications, said the government had adopted a multi-layered security strategy combining conventional policing with technology.

“We have a very robust security architecture. The vigilante is trained, well-armed; they are paid and are pensionable.

“These people are in charge of security. We have the local hunters, we have the vigilance service, we have the police and all of that. So that is the kinetic part of it,” he said.

Fanwo disclosed that the state had also invested in technology-driven surveillance, although he declined to reveal operational details.

“We also have some other areas we are putting technology into. We will not tell you where it is, but as we are entering here, right from the control room in Lokoja, they are seeing our vehicles entering this place.

“We have been able to put technology as part of our security architecture, and that is helping us a great deal.”

According to him, the measures have significantly improved security around public schools.

“So the students are very safe. When you hear things like attempts to kidnap and all of that, maybe except you go to a miracle centre. If you are in a designated government centre, it is safe.”

The security claims were reinforced at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, where university authorities said the state had strengthened security after a previous security breach around the institution.

Muhammed Asuku Audu, Director of Academic Planning, said security agencies had been permanently deployed to the university, while perimeter fencing and CCTV surveillance now cover the campus.

“As some of you are aware, we had an episode last time. The government came in full force and provided security for the university. The security forces across all security agencies are here,” he said.

“He has also built perimeter fencing around the campus. As I’m talking now, the whole campus is on CCTV surveillance. Wherever you are, you can see what is going on in the campus.”

Audu said the enhanced security had complemented rapid physical development at the institution, which began academic activities in 2021 and now has over 6,000 students and 56 accredited academic programmes.

He described it as “one of the fastest developing public universities in Nigeria,” attributing its growth to sustained funding from the state government and TETFund.

The inspection team also visited the Barefoot Renewable Energy College located within the university, where presidential officials said the facility would train the next generation of renewable energy professionals.

O’Tega Ogra, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Engagement, Strategy and New Media, described the project as the first Barefoot Renewable Energy College in Africa and only the second in the world after India.

He said the facility would train specialists in solar technology and other renewable energy fields while hosting Nigeria’s pilot green hydrogen project.

“This centre is to train the next generation of Nigerian renewable experts across different areas, from solar installations to technology and different parts of the renewable value chain so that they can contribute not only to job creation but also to developing Nigeria’s renewable energy space,” Ogra said.