Crimes: Oyo talks tough, assures residents of security

The Oyo State Government has vowed to take a tough stance on crime and criminal activities in the state, reassuring residents of adequate security and the safety of lives and property, especially in areas experiencing security challenges.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, CP Fatai Owoseni (retd), gave the assurance on Wednesday while briefing newsmen after a security stakeholders’ meeting held at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

Owoseni explained that the meeting was convened for the committee to review and refine security strategies and to strengthen measures aimed at curbing banditry and criminality in some parts of Oyo township, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa, parts of Ibadan, and Oyo State as a whole.

He added that part of the meeting’s resolutions was to integrate community leaders and actively involve grassroots members in the state’s security framework, renewing their commitment to collaboration with the government.

Owoseni also stated that, with the robust synergy among service commanders and the collaborative efforts of neighboring states, bandits and other criminal elements would face a tough time in the state.

He commended the security architecture put in place by Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, noting that the priority given to security matters is contributing to the expansion of the state’s economy and the thriving of businesses.

He, therefore, urged residents to be security-conscious and to make use of the toll-free Emergency Number 615 to report any suspicious activities or criminal acts in their areas, emphasising that security is the responsibility of everyone.

He said: “As we have always maintained, security strategies must be periodically reviewed. Lately, situation reports from security institutions across Oyo State indicate a resurgence of crime and criminal activities.

“We have always prided ourselves on being one of the safest states in the country, thanks to the collaborative efforts of security agencies and the support provided by the governor. However, in reviewing the security situation, we identified renewed attacks in Oyo Township, Ogbomoso, parts of Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa, and the outskirts of Ibadan.

“Security agency heads met yesterday to assess what needs improvement and the need for us to re-strategize so that we do not become complacent.

“Following our discussions, we recognized the necessity of engaging the community—an approach we pioneered in Oyo State when the governor approved an integrated security concept, where non-state actors collaborate with state actors.

“We brought together non-state actors, including vigilance groups, Agbekoyas, hunters, OPC members, and Soluderos. We initiated this approach in Ibadan, where Mogajis (traditional family heads) established a compound security group under their coordination. Upon reviewing the current security situation, we identified a major gap: community involvement.

“Today, we had an opportunity to meet with key stakeholders, including local government chairmen from the Oyo axis, House of Assembly members representing the area, elders, and some traditional leaders.

“We engaged with them to outline our strategy and emphasize the need for their active participation in the state’s security efforts. We stressed the importance of intelligence-sharing and believe that, moving forward, we can curb the rising tide of criminal activities in the affected areas.

“We have geo-mapped the state and are aware of both high-risk and low-risk areas. Criminals, when pressured in one location, tend to move to another. Just last week, the military conducted an extensive combing operation in Old Oyo National Park.

These operations occur regularly, but with reports of criminal infiltration—especially by illegal miners—the Garrison Commander led a clearance operation up to our border with Kwara State. We are also strengthening our security collaboration with Kwara, just as we have done with Ogun State.

“This brings me to a viral video circulated yesterday, where some Ogunmakin residents claimed their community had been infiltrated by criminal elements. While Ogunmakin is in Ogun State and not Oyo, we immediately shared the intelligence with security officials in Ogun. However, given our shared boundaries, we are not leaving the matter entirely to them.

We want residents to know that we have the capacity to prevent and respond effectively to criminal activities. There is no cause for alarm. Security commanders in Oyo State are refining their strategies and strengthening collaborations to put an end to these incidents.”

Owoseni clarified that the security stakeholders’ meeting with community and political leaders in Oyo had no connection to the upcoming coronation of the Alaafin of Oyo. Rather, it was a strategic decision taken at a meeting of the service commanders overseeing operational security efforts.

The meeting was attended by service commanders, local government chairmen, traditional leaders, community leaders from the four local government areas of Oyo Federal Constituency, and top government officials.