▪️ Governor Identifies Four Key Security Challenges
▪️ Calls for Military Checkpoints on Major Highways
▪️ Army Chief Promises Closer Security Partnership
- OneForAllMedia News Desk
Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for stronger collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the Osun State Government to address emerging security threats, warning that political violence, illegal arms proliferation and suspected bandit activities must be decisively tackled ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The Governor made the call on Saturday while hosting the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at the Government House, Osogbo, and during the Passing Out Parade of the 90 Regular Recruits of the Nigerian Army.
Adeleke commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their immense sacrifices in defending Nigeria's territorial integrity, describing the military as a critical pillar of national unity and stability.
While noting that Osun remains one of the most peaceful states in the country, the Governor expressed concern over recent security developments, particularly politically motivated violence, which he said is alien to the state's culture of peaceful coexistence.
He also referenced the recent intervention of the Inspector General of Police through the deployment of the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the South-West to address political violence in the state, expressing optimism that the initiative would restore public confidence in law enforcement.
Governor Adeleke identified four major security concerns requiring urgent attention: the growing influx of illegal arms and ammunition into Osun State, the movement of suspected bandits into parts of Osun East under the guise of mining activities, the increasing threat of kidnappers operating from neighbouring Oyo and Kwara States into Osun border communities, and the escalation of politically motivated violence ahead of the governorship election.
To strengthen security across the state, the Governor urged the Nigerian Army to establish military checkpoints along strategic entry and exit routes, including the Ila–Ikirun, Ikirun–Kwara Border, Gbongan–Osogbo, Iwo–Osogbo, Ijebu-Jesa–Ekiti, Ife–Sekona, Ogbomoso–Ejigbo and Ilesa–Osogbo highways.
Responding, the Chief of Army Staff assured the Governor of the Nigerian Army's commitment to sustaining its partnership with the Osun State Government in protecting lives and property.
He reaffirmed the Army's determination to intensify operations against banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities while ensuring newly recruited soldiers receive the necessary training to confront emerging security threats.
The visit comes at a time of heightened political activities in Osun, with security agencies facing growing calls to ensure a peaceful and violence-free electoral process ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
