The Kogi State Government has firmly denied reports of a security breakdown, insisting that the state is not under any form of siege. This assurance came from Kingsley Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, during a press briefing in Lokoja on Friday.

Fanwo emphasized that security agencies are actively working to neutralize all threats, particularly in Yagba West, where there have been concerns about safety.

"We are managing the fine line between urgency and the need to tread carefully in order not to compound the situation. The government is on top of the matter, and our interventions are guided, targeted, and strategic," the Commissioner stated.

He further assured residents: "Security has not broken down in any part of Kogi, and it will not break down. We have reached an advanced stage of collaboration with national security structures to neutralize every threat to peace and stability in our state."

The state government acknowledged the significant contributions of local security structures, including the Okun hunters and other grassroots security outfits, in maintaining peace and order across the state.

"These community-based efforts are critical to our overall strategy, and His Excellency has given the State Security Adviser a marching order to deepen community push-back mechanisms against insecurity," Fanwo revealed.

According to the Commissioner, government intelligence has successfully identified the location of certain criminal elements. However, he cautioned that operational plans are being carefully executed to avoid collateral damage.

"These criminals are hiding behind innocent Nigerians, many of whom have been kidnapped from Kogi and other states. Our mission is to secure our people without endangering the lives of innocent victims," he explained.

The statement comes amid growing concerns about security challenges in parts of the state, with recent reports of kidnappings and attacks by gunmen in some communities.