Oyo State’s Alarm Triggers South-West Security Crackdown Against Banditry
In response to Governor Seyi Makinde’s warning about an influx of bandits into Oyo State, security agencies across the South-West region have intensified their efforts to address the emerging threat. These efforts include bolstering border patrols and enhancing cooperation between the police, Amotekun, and the military forces stationed in the region.
On Tuesday evening, an emergency meeting was convened by Oyo State’s security chiefs, which included representatives from the military, police, civil defense, and security aides to Governor Makinde. The goal of the meeting was to devise new strategies to tackle the security situation. A high-ranking security official confirmed the meeting to The PUNCH.
Governor Makinde, speaking during a 2025 inter-faith service on Monday, revealed that bandits fleeing from the ongoing military operations in the North-West had begun seeking refuge in Oyo State. The governor assured that the state government was committed to eradicating these criminal elements. On Tuesday, while attending the closing ceremony of the 2024 Base Sociocultural Activities and Veterans’ Parley at the 655 Nigerian Air Force Station, Makinde urged the military to ramp up efforts in combatting terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other threats to national security.
“We urge the Nigerian military to intensify efforts in 2025 to tackle terrorism, kidnapping, armed banditry, and other security threats that could hinder the country’s economic growth,” Makinde stated. The governor emphasized the importance of providing security for both lives and property in the region.
Colonel Olayinka Olayanju (retd.), Commandant of Oyo State’s Amotekun Security Network, remarked that the agency was investigating the claims raised by Governor Makinde. “We are looking into the situation and conducting our own investigations,” he stated, adding that no immediate actions would be taken until further information was gathered.
Responding to Makinde’s concerns, the Ondo State Police Command emphasized its ongoing collaboration with Amotekun to secure the state’s borders. Commissioner of Police Wilfred Afolabi highlighted the importance of community policing in maintaining safety, ensuring that bandits would not find refuge in the state. “Our personnel are deployed at the borders, and we continue to work closely with Amotekun to secure Ondo State,” Afolabi confirmed.
In Lagos State, Commissioner of Police Olanrewaju Ishola reassured the public that the state’s security infrastructure had effectively prevented the entry of bandits. He pointed to the peaceful holiday season as proof of the city’s security strength. “No bandits can enter Lagos State. The absence of security breaches during recent events shows the effectiveness of our efforts,” Ishola stated.
The Corps Commander of Osun Amotekun, Mr. Adekunle Omoyele, also shared the agency’s focus on key locations, particularly border communities and forests prone to criminal activities. Omoyele emphasized that Amotekun’s operations were designed to prevent criminals from taking refuge in the state’s forests. “We are increasing surveillance and intelligence gathering to ensure that no criminal activities escalate in Osun,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Chief Gani Adams, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, urged governors in the South-West to be proactive in addressing security concerns. Adams described the governor’s alarm as a wake-up call, urging immediate action to prevent the situation from worsening. “The South-West Security Stakeholders Group, including the Oodua People’s Congress and other organizations, have been working tirelessly to ensure safety in the region, but the situation requires urgent attention,” Adams said.
He called on the South-West governors to act swiftly to address security challenges, especially given Oyo State’s significance as the region’s political hub. “What happens in Oyo State directly impacts the entire South-West. Governors must act now before the situation spirals out of control,” Adams warned.
