The Ekiti State Government has intensified efforts at securing it’s citizens and borders with the the launch of the second phase of the joint security patrol.
The intervention is aimed at preventing the infiltration of criminals and sustaining peace in the state, following the security alerts raised by residents of communities bordering Kogi and Kwara states.
Speaking with journalists at the Police Headquarters after the launch of the second phase, the Special Adviser to Governor Biodun Oyebanji on Security Matters, Brig-Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (Rtd.) explained that the operation was initiated after residents of some border communities raised concerns about threats posed by bandits and kidnappers operating in neighbouring states.
According to him, the state government swiftly directed security agencies to mobilise to the affected areas to prevent the situation from escalating.
He disclosed that the first phase of the operation involved extensive bush-combing activities across forested areas around the border communities, which helped dislodge suspected bandits and kidnappers attempting to establish a foothold in the state.
Ogundana said the governor approved the continuation of the exercise, following a review of the initial operation, in order to sustain security presence.
The Governor’s Aide also revealed that security surveillance had been extended to other strategic border corridors, including areas linking the state with neighbouring Ondo State and the Omuo axis, as part of efforts to block possible entry routes used by criminal groups.
His words, “What happened this morning is a continuation of the operation we started last month when some communities bordering Kogi and Kwara States began crying out that their areas were under threat. The governor quickly directed that we mobilise to the affected areas.
“After the first phase and our analysis of what happened, the governor graciously approved that the operation should continue to reassure our people that the government is capable of providing security for them so they can go about their normal businesses.
“Our people should go about their normal businesses because criminals who think they can occupy any part of Ekiti State will be pushed out from wherever they are hiding.
“We are taking care of all the critical areas that some of these criminals may use to disturb the peace of the state”
Also speaking, the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade assured residents that security agencies operating in the state are working in close collaboration to maintain law and order.
The Commissioner of Police explained that the main objective of the bush-combing exercise is to prevent criminals fleeing security operations in neighbouring states from infiltrating Ekiti.
He noted that intelligence gathered during the first phase of the operation indicated that the proactive approach had helped prevent criminal elements from establishing hideouts within the state.
He added that the security operations are also intended to boost the confidence of farmers returning to their farms, especially in rural and forested areas.
According to him, the visible presence of security personnel across communities and forest belts would encourage farmers to carry out their activities without fear, adding that security personnel have already been strategically deployed across border routes linking Ekiti with Kogi, Kwara, Ondo and Osun states to ensure constant surveillance and rapid response to potential threats.
“We are living and working like one family, and with the support of the government we have nothing to complain about. By God’s grace we will continue to maintain peace in this state.
“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 cure. We believe in proactive measures rather than reactive responses.
“When farmers see security personnel in the forests and communities , the police, the army and other agencies, it gives them the confidence to go to their farms and produce what is necessary.
“We are on alert and ready to tackle any security challenge”. He added