The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has said the strategic placement of military barracks and forward operating bases in or near volatile communities can help curb banditry, deter criminal activities and rebuild citizens’ confidence in government.

Owoade stated this while receiving a project inspection team from the Ministry of Defence, Abuja, which paid him a courtesy visit.
The monarch said the establishment of military infrastructure in frontline communities would shift the nation’s security posture from reactive responses to preventative protection by enabling security forces to respond more rapidly to emerging threats.
He said strategic military bases could serve as infrastructure for deterrence, rapid response, and local economic integration, particularly in areas affected by banditry and other forms of criminality.

The Alaafin’s position followed the abduction of some pupils and teachers from Yawota, Esin-Elee Oyo and Alawusa communities in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State in May by suspected bandits.
The victims, who were later released after about three months in captivity following the intervention of combined military and police teams, are from communities dominated by Oyo indigenes.

Following the incident, the Alaafin and other stakeholders renewed calls for the establishment of a military base in the area to strengthen the fight against banditry and other security threats.
The Federal Government subsequently approved the establishment of a military base at Ote-Efon in Atiba Local Government Area of Oyo State, close to the affected communities in Orire and Iseyin.
In line with the approval, the Ministry of Defence constituted a project monitoring team led by Dr Jude Alorio as Project Director.
The team, accompanied by members of the local committee, inspected the large expanse of land donated for the construction of the military base at Ote-Efon.

Owoade said the strategic placement of military barracks in areas vulnerable to insurgency and banditry remained an underutilised but potentially effective approach to strengthening national security.
He said such infrastructure could help suppress threats while reassuring citizens of the presence and capacity of the Nigerian state.
“Military barracks are not just buildings; they are symbols of state authority, operational readiness, and psychological assurance,” the monarch said.
According to him, locating military infrastructure close to conflict zones would enable security operatives to respond swiftly, gather intelligence, and develop stronger partnerships with local communities.

He added that military installations could also stimulate economic activities in host communities through job creation and increased demand for housing, transportation and other services.
The Alaafin said host communities could benefit from improved infrastructure and social services associated with military establishments, including access roads, healthcare, electricity and water.

He also noted that military bases could facilitate joint intelligence gathering, community-oriented welfare initiatives and structured engagement between security forces and civilian leaders.
Owoade lauded President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Defence for approving the Ote-Efon military base, saying the project would strengthen security, improve rapid response to threats and enhance the protection of lives and property in affected parts of the state.

Earlier, Alorio expressed satisfaction with the commitment of the local committee to the project, saying the cooperation between the committee and the monitoring team would contribute to its successful implementation.
“I must say that we are indeed grateful for the support and cooperation. The place is beautiful and the General Officer Commanding the Second Mechanised Division is delighted about it and very much interested,” he said.
Alorio, while thanking the Alaafin and the local committee for the warm reception, requested that the acquired land be surveyed to facilitate timely commencement of construction.

Also speaking, Archbishop Emeritus Ayoade Ladigbolu described the approval of the military base as a significant development for the people of Oyo State.
He said the project demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting communities against banditry and other criminal attacks.