By Ajibola Olaide, JKNMedia Reporter
GOVERNOR DAPO Abiodun of Ogun State has urged all security agencies within the state to collaborate with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to safeguard lives and property.
On Tuesday, he made this appeal while receiving the new Comptroller of the NIS Ogun State command, Comptroller Grace Adeoye.
Represented by Deputy Governor Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Abiodun emphasized that the NIS, as the nation’s border gatekeepers, requires the support of other security agencies to prevent the inflow of dangerous weapons and fulfill its constitutional duties.
Highlighting Ogun State’s strategic position as Nigeria’s gateway from the west, Abiodun stressed the importance of harmonious relations with the NIS to maintain security.
He pledged his administration’s continued support for the NIS’s constitutional responsibilities in the state.
The governor also commended the outgoing Comptroller, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Bosede, for her excellent work and urged Adeoye to build on her predecessor’s foundation, assuring her of the same level of cooperation.
Comptroller Grace Adeoye expressed gratitude for the warm reception and committed to enhancing the NIS’s operations in the state.
She sought continued support from the state government and other security agencies, similar to what her predecessor received. Mrs. Bosede, in her farewell address, recounted her achievements, including successful repatriations, clearing passport backlogs, and improving border security to combat transborder crimes.
She also noted the increased focus on border security through e-border solutions and technological advancements, as well as efforts to motivate officers to avoid corruption.
In a separate development, Governor Abiodun has directed security agents to initiate a thorough manhunt for those responsible for Sunday’s kidnapping along the Sagamu-Ijebu Ode Expressway.
The incident saw several individuals kidnapped near the Area Command and Ilishan City Gate around 9,00p.m.
Reports suggest the victims, all foreign nationals, were targeted by gunmen who ambushed them shortly after their arrival in the country.
In a statement on Tuesday, Abiodun vowed that Ogun State would not become a haven for kidnappers, promising to apprehend and punish the culprits.
He disclosed that various security agencies, including the police, army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun,
So Safe Corps, and local hunters, are actively pursuing the kidnappers using advanced security gadgets, including drones.
Assuring residents of their safety, Abiodun highlighted the state’s significant investments in security measures and reassured the public that decisive actions are being taken to capture the kidnappers and secure the victims’ release.
Additional security measures and patrols have been deployed to the affected area and across the state to prevent further incidents.
Abiodun also emphasized that Ogun State remains a safe place to live, work, and visit, reiterating his government’s commitment to maintaining law and order and protecting citizens’ lives and property.
