Makinde, Security Chiefs Tighten Oyo’s Defence Grid in Expanded Security Meeting

The Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to curbing crime by deepening collaboration with traditional institutions, local government chairmen, and further strengthening the state’s security architecture.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, CP Fatai Owoseni (rtd), stated this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the Expanded Security Meeting held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

Governor Seyi Makinde, who serves as the Chief Security Officer of the state, had earlier led traditional rulers, local government chairmen, and heads of security agencies in a strategic session convened to review and reinforce the state’s security framework.

Speaking after the closed-door meeting, CP Owoseni described the security climate in the country as deeply concerning.

“The security situation across the country remains worrisome, and that is why we must continually review our strategies,” he said.

“Today’s meeting was convened to reassess our earlier resolutions and further strengthen Oyo State’s security architecture so that our response mechanisms remain coordinated and effective.”

Owoseni noted that Oyo State continues to enjoy relative peace, but added that government is not taking the situation for granted.

“Yes, Oyo State is relatively peaceful, but we cannot be complacent,” he said.

“Through our integrated security architecture, we have mapped out a comprehensive strategy that includes deploying strategic security teams to vulnerable locations and escalating intelligence gathering across all zones.”

He further disclosed that part of the decisions reached at the meeting is the integration of local hunters and community security operatives into the state’s security framework.

“We have resolved to formally integrate local hunters into our security operations because they understand the terrain better than anyone,” he explained.

“We are also commencing clearance operations in the Old Oyo National Park and in bushy locations around the Ibadan less-city axis to deny criminals any hiding place.”

In their separate remarks, the representative of the traditional rulers, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Chairman of the Association of Local Government Chairmen, Hon. Sikiru Sanda; and the Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biodun Aikomo, commended Governor Makinde for his consistent investment in the state’s security system.

They pledged continued cooperation in advancing security initiatives across the state and endorsed the inclusion of non-state actors as part of efforts to strengthen community-level intelligence and response.