On Tuesday, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, the governor of Ekiti State, tasked the Nigerian Army with strengthening cooperation with other state security agencies in order to bolster security and eradicate criminal elements in the state.
Such cooperation and military presence, according to Oyebanji, would support the work of other security personnel now employed by the state.
While hosting Brigadier-General Justin Ifeanyi, the new Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Akure, on a courtesy call, the governor spoke in Ado Ekiti.
“The state’s reputation as the most peaceful state in Nigeria has been maintained thanks to the current synergy among security chiefs,” he stated.
Oyebanji asked the recently appointed Brigade Commander to maintain and strengthen the security services’ current collaboration, which promoted efficient intelligence sharing and coordinated actions.
He assured the incoming Brigade Commander that his administration will support him in his new position and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to keeping the state the safest in the nation.
“As a government, we are grateful to the Nigerian Army for your sacrifices and bravery in ensuring that our country is secure,” the governor stated. It would have been worse than this without your efforts; for this, we are incredibly thankful.
I’m glad they’re bringing you back here because, as you mentioned, you’ve been here before and this is not unfamiliar territory to you.
“One thing I can guarantee is that you will have our full support and cooperation. Additionally, I would like to remind you that although Ekiti State has been deemed the most peaceful state in the nation, there are still some criminal elements present. The beauty of the Ekiti situation is that all of the security chiefs in the state collaborate with one another, sharing information and intelligence.”
“The governor urged the incoming commander to make sure that the Nigerian Army and other sister security agencies in the state continue to work together.”
The visit was intended to serve as a formal introduction to the governor, according to Brig. Gen. Ifeanyi, the new Brigade Commander, who also promised that the Nigerian Army will step up its efforts to combat criminal activity and maintain calm throughout the state.
The State Government Secretary, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Oyeniyi Adebayo; Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd), Special Adviser on Security; Mr. Yinka Oyebode, Special Adviser (Media); Col. Kyari Babakura, Garrison Commander; and Captain Daniel Yusuf, Operation Officer, Ekiti State, were also present at the meeting.