Kogi Assembly Advances Bill To Block Terrorists, Criminals

The Kogi State House of Assembly has passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish preventive measures against the entry of terrorists and persons with criminal intentions into the state.

The bill titled: “A Bill to Provide for Preventive Measures Against Entry into the State of Terrorists and Persons with Criminal Intentions, to Provide Security Checks on Immigrants and for Connected Purposes,” was sponsored by the member representing Okene II Constituency, Hon. Yusuf Zakeri Eneva.

Leading the debate on the proposed legislation during Tuesday’s plenary, Eneva said the bill was designed to regulate the influx of people into Kogi State, establish their identities and strengthen measures against banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities.

He said the legislation would provide a framework for intelligence gathering and security profiling by law enforcement agencies, while promoting non-kinetic measures aimed at protecting lives and property.

Eneva said the bill became necessary in view of growing concerns over the infiltration of criminal elements through the state’s land borders.

According to him, Kogi’s strategic geographical location and its borders with more than 10 states make it particularly vulnerable to security threats, hence the need for a legal framework to monitor people entering and residing in the state.

Contributing to the debate, lawmakers commended the sponsor for initiating the bill, noting that recent security developments across the country had underscored the need for proactive measures to safeguard lives and property.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Umar Aliyu, said drastic measures were required to ensure the safety of residents, stressing, however, that such measures must be backed by law.

Aliyu commended Eneva for sponsoring the bill and tasked the committee responsible for scrutinising the proposed legislation to develop effective measures that would complement the government’s efforts to maintain a safe and secure environment for citizens and residents of the state.