In response to Governor Seyi Makinde’s warning on Monday regarding an influx of bandits into Oyo State, security agencies across the South-West have intensified measures to address the looming threat. These efforts include heightened border patrols and enhanced collaboration among police, Amotekun, and military forces.
Emergency Security Meeting in Oyo State
On Tuesday evening, security chiefs in Oyo State held an emergency meeting to strategize on countering the migration of bandits fleeing military operations in the North-West. The meeting, which included representatives from the military, police, civil defence, and Governor Makinde’s security aides, was confirmed by a senior security official to The PUNCH.
Speaking at the meeting, Governor Makinde reiterated his administration’s commitment to rooting out criminal elements from the state. During the 2025 interfaith service held earlier, he assured residents of decisive action, emphasizing the state’s determination to ensure safety and peace.
At the closing ceremony of the 2024 Base Sociocultural Activities and Veterans’ Parley of the 655 Nigerian Air Force Station, Makinde called on the military to enhance their operations in combating terrorism, kidnapping, and other security challenges. He pledged the state government’s continued support for security agencies to safeguard lives and property.
Amotekun’s Response and Regional Cooperation
Col. Olayinka Olayanju (retd.), Commandant of the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun), stated that investigations were underway to validate the governor’s claims. He refrained from making detailed comments until the completion of these investigations.
Meanwhile, in Ondo State, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Wilfred Afolabi, highlighted ongoing collaboration between the police and Amotekun to secure state borders. He emphasized the importance of community policing and partnerships to prevent the infiltration of bandits.
In Lagos, Commissioner of Police Olanrewaju Ishola expressed confidence in the state’s robust security infrastructure, which has ensured a peaceful holiday season. Ishola stated, “No bandits can enter Lagos State,” citing recent carnivals and events as evidence of the state’s effective security measures.
Similarly, the Osun Amotekun Corps has focused on safeguarding strategic locations and forests to thwart criminal activities. Corps Commander Adekunle Omoyele confirmed intensified patrols in vulnerable areas, such as Owena Ijesa, and ongoing intelligence efforts to preempt threats.
Gani Adams Urges Unified Action
The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams, has called on South-West governors to take decisive action following Governor Makinde’s alarm. Adams, in a statement, warned against complacency, stressing that insecurity remains a significant challenge in the region.
Adams highlighted the ongoing efforts of the South-West Security Stakeholders Group, which includes organizations such as the Oodua People’s Congress and Agbekoya Society, in maintaining regional safety. He urged the governors to act swiftly, noting that Oyo State’s security has a direct impact on the entire South-West.
“Oyo State is the political capital of the South West region, and any instability here affects the entire area. The time for urgent action is now,” Adams stated.
Moving Forward
As security agencies ramp up efforts to secure the region, the alarm raised by Governor Makinde serves as a critical wake-up call. Enhanced coordination between state and regional security outfits, coupled with proactive strategies, remains essential to tackling the growing security challenges in the South-West.
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