South-West Governors: Governors and traditional rulers across Nigeria’s Southwest region are ramping up security strategies to counter the reported infiltration of bandits and ISWAP operatives fleeing military operations in the North-West.
South-West Governors: Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, raised the alarm during a recent inter-faith service, warning of “bad elements” seeking refuge in the state’s forests.
Makinde assured residents that the government was mobilizing resources to address the threat. Similarly, Ogun, Osun, and other South-West states have activated collaborative measures with security agencies to combat the menace.
In Osun, the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested 10 suspected ISWAP members attempting to establish operations in Ilesa, underscoring the region’s proactive stance. The state has also intercepted and deported 84 illegal migrants.
Traditional rulers have emphasized the importance of grassroots vigilance, with the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, calling for robust intelligence-sharing and state policing.
Security outfits such as Amotekun Corps and agro rangers are being equipped with resources like motorcycles and patrol vehicles to fortify defenses. The OPC has pledged to assist in securing Yoruba land, urging governors to prioritize tackling the insurgents’ presence in forests.
South-West Governors: The new Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, reassured citizens that boundary security was being strengthened, combining efforts from multiple agencies to safeguard the region.
With unified efforts, the South-West aims to ensure its forests and communities remain off-limits to bandits and insurgents.