The Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Oyo State Governor, CP (rtd) Fatai Owoseni, has urged the Federal Government to adopt geo-spatial technology, adequately fund the police, and address socio-economic inequality as key strategies to combat insecurity in Nigeria.

Owoseni made the call on Thursday while delivering a keynote address at the maiden edition of the 2025 Annual Luncheon and Welcome Ceremony for newly inducted Fellows of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) Body of Fellows, Oyo State Branch, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

He emphasized the need for Nigerian leaders to strengthen technological intelligence in security operations, tackle corruption, ensure good governance, and eradicate poverty to effectively address criminal activities nationwide.

Highlighting past successful operations, Owoseni said the use of geo-spatial tools such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Remote Sensing had enabled security agencies to track and apprehend criminals and monitor the movement of illegal weapons.

“We used elements of geo-spatial intelligence to arrest Evans, the kidnapper. These technologies helped us geo-locate him, monitor conversations through lawful intercepts, and determine his exact location,” he said.

“Similar technology has been used to track criminal herders infiltrating Nigeria from neighbouring countries.”

Owoseni added that Oyo State has adopted several tech-driven security initiatives, including the emergency toll-free line 615, the Oyo State Crime Alert platform, and the Safe School Initiative, which equips government-owned tertiary institutions with panic buttons for emergency response.

He called for reforms in the police system to improve working conditions and professionalism, while also advocating stronger collaboration between security agencies and professional bodies such as the NIS for knowledge exchange and data sharing on emerging technologies.

In his welcome address, Chairman of the NIS Body of Fellows, Oyo State Branch, Surveyor Olufemi Isaac Akintola, noted that the branch had the highest number of newly inducted Fellows at the institution’s 2025 investiture held in Akure, Ondo State.

Dignitaries at the event included Brig. General S.O.G. Aremu, representing the General Officer Commanding, 2nd Mechanized Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife; Deputy Commandant, NSCDC, DCC Ademu Stephen; and Surveyor Prince Afolabi Solesi, representing the National Chairman of the Board of Fellows, Surveyor Alabo Charles, FNIS.

Owoseni retired from the Nigeria Police Force having served as the Commissioner of Police in charge of Lagos and Benue States, among other postings.

In a previous interview, he spoke about the bid to institute state police in Nigeria, adding that the government must provide adequate incentives to ensure the police work for the people.

He also issued a warning that without clearing the rot on ground, we may not get the best results from State Police across the country.