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Governor Adeleke Sounds Warning on Bandit Infiltration from Neighboring States
Ademola Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State, has recently expressed heightened concern regarding the increasing incursions of bandits into Osun, particularly from the adjacent Kwara State. He emphasized the urgency of reinforcing military vigilance and sustained security operations along the state’s border communities to curb this growing menace.
Security Challenges and Military Collaboration
Speaking at the Nigerian Army Depot in Osogbo during the Passing Out Parade for the 89th Regular Recruits Intake, Governor Adeleke highlighted the pivotal role the Nigerian Army plays in safeguarding national security. He lauded the military’s enduring commitment to combating terrorism, banditry, and other security threats that jeopardize Nigeria’s peace.
He acknowledged that Osun State has reaped significant benefits from its strategic partnership with the military, which has been instrumental in maintaining the state’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful regions. This success, he noted, is largely due to the dedication and sacrifices of security personnel deployed across various communities.
Ongoing Military Operations Along Osun-Kwara Border
The governor revealed that specialized military units are actively conducting operations in towns along the Osun-Kwara boundary. These missions aim to thwart banditry, kidnappings, and any attempts at illegal infiltration into Osun’s territory. He expressed gratitude to the Army Chief for the deployment and urged that such operations be maintained consistently to ensure the state’s continued safety.
Call to Duty for New Recruits and Political Leaders
Addressing the freshly inducted recruits, Adeleke stressed the importance of discipline, loyalty, and professionalism, reminding them of their critical role as defenders of the nation’s security framework. He urged them to uphold allegiance to the Nigerian Army, the Constitution, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Beyond military efforts, the governor appealed to political figures to prioritize dialogue and collaboration in governance. He argued that political stability would alleviate the burden on security forces, enabling them to concentrate fully on protecting citizens and property.
Support for Inclusive Governance and Peace Initiatives
Governor Adeleke commended President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to foster inclusive governance, emphasizing that political unity is essential for strengthening national security and sustaining peace. He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to promoting harmony within Osun State, which complements the work of security agencies.
Recent Banditry Incident and Government Response
In a related development, the Osun State Government confirmed a recent bandit attack in Ora Igbomina, a border community. This incident triggered an emergency meeting of the State Security Council in Osogbo. Governor Adeleke expressed deep sympathy for the affected residents and described the attack as a significant breach of security despite extensive preventive measures implemented over the past three months.
He assured the public that a military-supported rescue and protection operation has been ongoing for several days to safeguard victims and prevent future attacks, particularly in vulnerable border areas.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Border Security
With banditry and kidnappings on the rise in several Nigerian states, Osun’s proactive approach in collaborating with the military serves as a model for border security management. Recent statistics from the Nigerian Security Tracker indicate a 15% increase in bandit-related incidents in the North-Central region in the past year, underscoring the need for continuous vigilance and coordinated security efforts.
Governor Adeleke’s call for sustained military presence and political cooperation highlights a comprehensive strategy aimed at preserving peace and stability in Osun State and beyond.
