By Joyce Eyaba, JKNewsMedia Reporter
RISING BANDITORY, terrorism, and other heinous crimes across Nigeria have prompted a major security overhaul in Ogun State, with authorities moving to strengthen law enforcement and safeguard lives and property.
Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed that the state government will begin documenting all undocumented foreign nationals working with multinational companies within the state.
He further explained that new non-indigenes entering Ogun for the first time will undergo screening by community leaders to ensure they are not used to orchestrate violence.
The governor stressed that the government must ascertain the purpose and means of livelihood of all newcomers.
Speaking to journalists at Iperu following a security meeting, Governor Abiodun described the measures as proactive steps to prevent criminal activity and enhance overall security in the state.
“The law enforcement agencies have arrested, within the last three to four days, about 70 persons from Chad and Sudan who cannot even speak English and cannot explain what they are doing here.
“We are going to process these individuals with the Nigeria Immigration Service. We will also be calling on our non-indigene communities to be more vigilant so that we know who is here and why they are here,” he stated.
The governor expressed concern over the growing security threat posed by scavengers, noting that their activities have escalated in severity.
“We discussed the issue of scavengers who have become more of a threat. Law enforcement agencies will pay particular attention to them. We will engage them to ensure they are not being used to perpetrate crimes in the state,” he added.
The meeting was convened in response to Nigeria’s current security climate. Governor Abiodun noted that Ogun State, as the nation’s industrial capital, receives more than five million daily commuters, underlining the need for heightened vigilance.
As part of immediate action, the governor directed police to move into areas such as “Zanga” in Ijebu-Ode and similar enclaves across the state to clear them of criminal elements.
He also warned that properties used by criminals would henceforth be seized by the government.
Governor Abiodun highlighted a recent incident at Ajebo in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, revealing that security officers had visited the settlement to verify that its occupants posed no threat.
He assured that forest reserves in the state would be thoroughly secured to prevent them from being used as hideouts by criminals.
Further deliberations at the security meeting focused on scrap dealers and scavengers, with officials noting their potential involvement in criminal networks.
Governor Abiodun said these individuals would be properly engaged and monitored to mitigate risks.
On the issue of illegal mining, the governor stated that the government is aware that some miners operate unlawfully.
He noted that the administration is collaborating with security agencies to flush out criminals from mining sites and forest reserves.
Residents were urged to support community policing efforts by providing credible information to law enforcement. “Security is not the responsibility of security agents alone. We must work with them.
We must report anything suspicious so law enforcement can respond promptly. We must be observant and be our brother’s keeper,” the governor said.
Governor Abiodun assured that his administration would continue to provide necessary logistics to security agencies.
He cautioned Obas and Baales against allocating government land to strangers, warning that traditional rulers found culpable would be held accountable for undermining state interests.
He commended security agencies for their cooperation and synergy, which he said has contributed significantly to the peace Ogun State currently enjoys.
The governor also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for stabilising the economy and praised him, alongside security agencies, for the prompt rescue of kidnapped victims in Niger and Kwara states.
The state’s security plan includes detailed documentation of foreign nationals, especially those from Niger Republic, Sudan, and Chad, following the recent arrests of approximately 70 individuals who could not provide clear explanations for their presence in Ogun.
These persons are being processed with the Nigeria Immigration Service to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Authorities emphasised the importance of community participation in security efforts. Governor Abiodun urged local leaders to assist in the verification of new entrants and stressed that failure to do so could result in accountability measures.
Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to prioritise the clearance of high-risk enclaves, with an emphasis on removing elements that may contribute to criminal activities.
“We will engage them to ensure they are not being used to perpetrate crimes in the state,” the governor stated concerning scavengers and scrap dealers.
The state government is also paying close attention to illegal mining operations. Governor Abiodun noted that while some miners are legitimately employed, others exploit these activities to conduct criminal acts.
Security agencies will continue coordinated operations to eliminate such threats from mining sites and forest reserves.
Forest reserves, highlighted as potential hideouts for criminals, will be monitored and secured to prevent unlawful occupation.
Governor Abiodun also confirmed that all settlements within these areas, such as Ajebo, have been reviewed by security personnel to ensure residents do not pose security risks.
The governor reiterated that safeguarding Ogun State requires joint action between the government, security agencies, and the community.
Residents were advised to report suspicious activity promptly, reinforcing the state’s proactive approach to public safety.
Additionally, traditional rulers were warned against compromising state security by allowing strangers to occupy government lands. Governor Abiodun stated that any leader found breaching these directives would face strict consequences.
Ogun’s role as an industrial hub, attracting millions of commuters daily, was highlighted as a factor necessitating heightened vigilance.
Governor Abiodun emphasised that the state government will continue to provide the necessary resources and logistics to security agencies to enable effective law enforcement operations.
The recent arrests of foreign nationals unable to account for their presence in the state underscores the administration’s commitment to proactive security measures.
Governor Abiodun confirmed that these individuals are being processed through official channels with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), reinforcing the government’s focus on lawful documentation.
Security agencies were praised for their cooperation and effectiveness in maintaining peace within the state. Governor Abiodun noted that such collaboration has been instrumental in sustaining the relatively secure environment currently enjoyed by residents.
President Bola Tinubu’s economic stabilisation efforts were also commended as Governor Abiodun highlighted the prompt action by security agencies in rescuing kidnapped victims in Niger and Kwara states as evidence of effective national security coordination.
He then urged residents to engage actively with community policing initiatives, emphasising that public vigilance is crucial for preventing criminal acts, saying “Security is not the responsibility of security agents alone,” and urging communities to be observant and proactive in reporting any suspicious activities.
