Ogun Govt pledges technological, logistics support for security agencies

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has reiterated his commitment to securing the state, declaring that no resident’s life will be traded for anything.

Governor Abiodun spoke during a security meeting with the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the South-West, DIG. Fayoade Adegoke, who paid him a courtesy visit in Abeokuta on Friday.

The governor, represented by the Secretary to Ogun State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, stated that his administration is fully committed to modernizing the security architecture of the state.

He noted that the government was aware that contemporary security challenges had outpaced conventional policing methods.

“As a government, we recognise that tackling insecurity had gone beyond traditional means. We have scaled up our technology-driven approach and we remain ready to support the police in every way possible to improve our security landscape” he said.

Highlighting measures taken by the state so far, the governor revealed that the administration recently procured 65 patrol vehicles to strengthen the operational capacity of security agencies across the state.

Abiodun also used the opportunity to commend the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, alluding to his dedication and passion for the job, which he said had been instrumental in the successes recorded by the “Gateway Shield” initiative.

Earlier, the DIG in charge of the South-West, DIG Fayoade Adegoke, called for an urgent shift towards a technology-driven security approach to tackle rising cross-border criminal activities.

Adegoke emphasised that the state’s status as a critical economic pillar of the country had made its security a matter of national importance, noted that while the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, remained committed to securing every nook and cranny of the country, the unique challenges of Ogun State required specialised intervention.

Appreciating the success Ogun State had made so far in the apprehension of several criminal elements, the DIG urged the state government to build upon the gains by intensifying investments in modern security infrastructure.

The DIG specifically requested enhanced logistics support, noting that the nature of the terrain along the international borders needed a robust fleet of high-performance, rugged patrol vehicles.

He also identified the acquisition of advanced surveillance drones as a top priority.

“The need for this upgrade is very urgent. We need to shift our attention and resources toward our international borders to ensure that criminal elements do not find a foothold in our communities,” he added.