In view of the alarming security challenges and the filtering of cross-border criminal activities in the state, the Ekiti State government on Monday deployed a combined security patrol to comb and monitor strategic bushes, especially in security-prone areas in the state.
The joint security patrol comprises security personnel in all the security agencies, including the military, police, DSS, and Amotekun.
Speaking with journalists on Monday in Ado-Ekiti, during the parade of the patrol at the State Police Command headquarters, the Special Adviser to the state Governor on Security, Ebenezer Ogundana, stated that the joint security patrol is a continuation of the exercise operation which started last month when some of the communities, at the cross boarder in Kogi and Kwara State raised alarm over security threat in their areas.
“Mr Governor quickly gave a directive that we mobilise and move to the areas. By the grace of God, we were able to carry out extensive bush combing in that area that pushed away the bandits and kidnappers that wanted to take charge of those communities bordering Kwara and Kogi states.
“After phase one of the operation and analysis of what actually happened, His Excellency graciously approved that the operation should continue in order to reassure our people that the government is able to provide security for them, so that people can go about their normal businesses, not minding the situation in Kwara and Kogi states, including Ondo State too.
“It is in that spirit that we mobilised the heads of security agencies and decided that this morning we had to move out. Where we are moving to is not good to be disclosed to the public, but you will hear from us when we get there.
” This is just to assure our people that they should go about their normal businesses and that criminals who think they can occupy anywhere in Ekiti State will be pushed out of wherever they are hiding in the state. That is the reason we mobilised as many troops as are available to that area”
Ogundana disclosed that since the commencement of the joint patrol, several arrests of suspected criminals have been made, while efforts have been intensified.
“Yes, as we are carrying out this operation here, we are equally doing the same thing in Ondo. The border in Omuo also has access because we don’t want to take things for granted due to incidents happening in some neighbouring states recently. So we are taking care of all the critical areas we know some of these people can use to disturb the peace of the state”
The Commissioner for police, CP Adegoroye Falade, gave assurance on effective synergy between all the security agencies in this state on the strategies to achieve security of lives and properties.
“We are living and working like one family. With that cooperation and the support of the government, we have nothing to complain about. By God’s grace, we will continue to maintain peace in this state.
“The major purpose of this bush combing operation is first to prevent the influx of criminals into Ekiti State. From reports from the field during the first assignment, the team was able to checkmate attempts by criminals to infiltrate the state. However, we do not want to relax our efforts.
“We know that neighbouring states are facing security challenges, and we do not want the influence of those criminals to spread into Ekiti. Prevention is better than a cure. We believe in proactive measures rather than reactive ones.
“Secondly, the operation is to build the confidence of farmers who are now returning to their farms. If there is no visible security presence like this, farmers may become afraid. Fear alone can discourage people from farming.
” When farmers see security personnel in the forests and communities — the police, army and other security agencies — it boosts their confidence to go to their farms and produce food.
“Lastly, the purpose of security operations is to ensure the safety of lives and property. By God’s grace, as the head of security in the state, I will ensure that there is safety in Ekiti State.
The CP who appreciated the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for the support that enabled functional security operatives in the state said that the joint security patrol is a continuous exercise to achieve lasting peace and security in Ekiti and the environs.
“Without logistics, the police cannot function effectively. When you have a government that loves its state and provides the necessary logistics, security agencies will not fail in their duties.
” I assure you, this operation is continuous. The government is ready to provide security for its people 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We also rely on intelligence from our State Intelligence Department (SID) and the DSS. Whenever we receive information, we will act accordingly.
“It is not only the police involved in this operation. Other security agencies are also strategically deployed across various locations, including border areas between Kogi, Kwara, Ekiti, Ondo and Osun states. Security personnel are already stationed in those areas and remain on alert. We are ready to tackle any threat,” the CP said.
