The government of Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State, has reassured residents that the state remains one of the safest in Nigeria, despite the broader security challenges affecting parts of the country.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the Makinde administration has been able to significantly curb criminal activities through the strategic deployment of security personnel and resources across the state.
According to the commissioner, the government’s proactive security strategies and strong collaboration with security agencies have helped maintain peace and stability in Oyo State.
Oyelade cited the recent rescue of four commuters who were abducted along the Igbeti–Kishi road as a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of the state’s security architecture.
He explained that security operatives responded swiftly to the incident, leading to the safe recovery of the victims.
He noted that the state government has consistently organized and funded quarterly security clearance operations in identified flashpoints.
These operations, he said, are aimed at addressing threats such as banditry, kidnapping, and illegal mining activities that have affected some parts of the region.
The commissioner explained that the operations are spearheaded by the Nigerian Armed Forces, with support from the Nigeria Police Force, the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), as well as local vigilante groups.
He added that verified Fulani vigilante groups and park rangers stationed within protected forest reserves also take part in the coordinated operations.
According to Oyelade, the Makinde administration has remained committed to supporting security operations within the Igbeti–Kishi corridor and other vulnerable areas for the past five years due to the persistent threats facing communities in those regions.
He explained that the government recognizes the strategic importance of maintaining security in these areas, especially given their proximity to neighboring states where criminal elements sometimes attempt to infiltrate.
Oyelade further stated that the administration has invested heavily in strengthening the state’s security framework.
As part of these efforts, the government recently donated an additional 120 operational vehicles to security agencies and provided modern communication equipment to enhance coordination during security operations.
He added that the state government has also continued to prioritize the welfare and motivation of security personnel working across the state, a move he said has significantly improved their efficiency and response capabilities.
The commissioner highlighted the role of the Amotekun Corps in safeguarding the state, noting that the Oyo command remains one of the most equipped and best-funded in the South West Nigeria.
“Beyond our collaboration with federal security agencies such as the Army, the Air Force and the Police, Amotekun in Oyo State stands out as the most fortified and well-funded among similar security outfits in the region,” he said.
He disclosed that the corps currently operates with 181 vehicles, 450 motorcycles and more than 2,500 personnel, making it the largest Amotekun workforce across the South-West states.
According to him, the corps also offers the highest remuneration for its personnel within the region.
Oyelade emphasized that the combination of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies adopted by Governor Makinde has been crucial in preventing criminal networks from establishing a foothold in Oyo State.
He argued that without the sustained efforts of the state government in strengthening security operations, the security challenges affecting neighboring states such as Ekiti State and Kwara State could have easily spilled over and overwhelmed communities in Oyo.
The commissioner reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring the continued safety of residents and visitors to the state.
He assured citizens that the government will sustain its collaboration with security agencies while also investing in equipment, manpower and intelligence gathering.
Oyelade urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could assist in preventing crime.
He reaffirmed that the Makinde-led government remains determined to maintain peace and stability across Oyo State while ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven within its borders.
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