Adebayo Adenrele
Brigadier General Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd), the Special Adviser to Governor Biodun Oyebanji on Security Matters in Ekiti State, has disclosed that the state has intensified security operations across its borders with neighbouring states as part of renewed efforts to prevent criminals from infiltrating Ekiti.
Addressing journalists in Ado-Ekiti, Ogundana said the state had significantly strengthened security architecture around its boundaries with Kogi, Kwara and Ondo states through the deployment of security personnel and sustained intelligence sharing with neighbouring governments.
The retired military officer explained that the strategy had denied criminals safe escape routes and contributed immensely to making Ekiti one of Nigeria’s safest states.
According to him, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has made security of lives and property a top priority, leading to unprecedented collaboration among conventional security agencies, local security outfits and neighbouring states.
He said personnel of the Nigerian Army, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, Agro-Marshals and Anti-Grazing Marshals had been strategically deployed along vulnerable border communities, particularly those adjoining Kogi and Kwara States.
Ogundana disclosed that the government had also institutionalised regular security meetings with neighbouring states to facilitate intelligence sharing and coordinated operations against criminal elements.
“We have assured all our farmers and residents living around the borders that they can go about their lawful activities without fear because of the level of deployment we now have in those areas.
“We have meetings regularly with the Security Advisers of Osun, Kwara, Kogi and Ondo States. We exchange intelligence and sometimes conduct joint operations. If criminals strike here and attempt to escape into neighbouring states, their borders are already being monitored and blocked for us.
“There are no longer safe havens for criminals. They can no longer commit crimes in Ekiti and simply run into another state because we are working closely with our counterparts.
“Our forests that used to serve as hideouts for criminals have now become productive farms. The presence of security personnel around these investments provides security for both the farms and neighbouring communities.
“There is no way strangers can enter a community without the people noticing them. Once you see something, say something. Community participation remains one of the strongest weapons against insecurity”.
