Makinde seeks more troops in Oyo, says criminals enter through Kwara border

Seyi Makinde, Oyo governor, says criminals enter the state through its border with Kwara, causing an upsurge of insecurity in the state.

The governor spoke on Thursday through Rauf Olaniyan, his deputy, during a courtesy visit by Leo Irabor, chief of defence staff, and other service chiefs.

According to a statement by Taiwo Adisa, Makinde’s chief press secretary, the governor charged the military to increase its surveillance activities in the area while highlighting the need for synergy.

Makinde was quoted as saying: “We want the Nigerian army to do more. The criminals come in through Oke-Ogun, the boundary between Oyo and Kwara states, extending to Baruten in Kwara and extending to the Benin Republic. So, we need more troops for surveillance, more than what is on the ground.

“We will appreciate it if the chief of air staff can equally come in to assist us through air surveillance. I am sure it is going to be a continuous process. We have to be proactive and the state government will be ready to render logistic support.

“We have been receiving cooperation from the Nigerian army based in Ibadan under the general officer commanding. So, I must tell you that the state government is appreciative of this because they answer our call anytime we call them.

“I also want to state that the insecurity in Oyo state is not peculiar to this state alone but Nigeria as a whole. Many people are hiding under different canopies, but we know that insecurity is the handiwork of criminals. It does not have religious coloration, no ethnic coloration. A criminal is a criminal but whatever will suit the purpose of the narrator is what we hear in town.

“The main thing is that insecurity is here, but it is not being unattended to and I can tell you that among the armed forces, police, Operation Burst, Amotekun, there is synergy. Though you may be hearing different stories outside, there is synergy and continuous engagement.”

Commenting, Irabor said the service chiefs were in Oyo on a regional security visit, adding that the purpose was to familiarise with the troops, officers and men of the Nigeria army in the state.

He said: “The leadership hierarchy of the armed forces changed very recently and it became expedient for us after assuming command to go round to see our troops and officers and men in the field to familiarise ourselves with them.

“So, we are here and we have had extensive interactions with our troops and we also thought it is necessary for us to be here and to let you know that we are working assiduously to address all issues that have to do with insecurity; of course, in partnership with other security agencies.

“Beyond that, we equally bring the expectations and the charge of Mr President and commander-in-chief to them. Having been charged to take all measures necessary to address the varying security challenges across the country in partnership with other security agencies, we found it very expedient for us to make this visit.

“Of course, where the police require the intervention of the military, we stand very well to provide that, and we have been doing that. More so, Mr. President has told us to do this.”