The Osun State Government has approved the establishment of a Joint Security Task Force to strengthen security operations and respond swiftly to emerging threats in the state.
The decision was reached during a State Security Council meeting convened by Governor Ademola Adeleke and presided over by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, in Osogbo.
The meeting was attended by the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, alongside other security commanders in the state.
A statement issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, said the state government would provide the necessary logistics for the effective take-off of the task force.
According to the statement, the move followed “recent security alerts” and was aimed at strengthening the state’s security response to threats to lives and property.
Speaking at the meeting, Adewusi conveyed the governor’s goodwill to the security commanders and commended them for their efforts in managing recent security challenges.
He urged the commanders “not to relent in the face of fresh security threats,” stressing the commitment of the state government to strengthening security agencies.
The Deputy Governor said the governor “is committed to further empowering the security agencies to secure the state,” while also calling on traditional rulers to sustain their local security oversight.
The Security Council also sought to reassure residents of their safety, stating that “Osun State remains safe and secured.”
However, residents were urged to remain extra vigilant, particularly in churches, mosques and schools.
The council also advised stakeholders to put additional security measures in place around their premises.
It further called on members of the public to promptly share useful intelligence with security agencies to help prevent attacks by suspected terrorists and bandits.
The statement said the Nigeria Police, in conjunction with other security agencies, had been directed to maintain a “24 hour red alert” to curtail the threats posed by suspected terrorists and bandits.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice, Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services agreed to collaborate to ensure that suspects are properly investigated and prosecuted without delay.
The council also commended the new Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, for “instituting policing reforms since his assumption of office” and for personally attending the security meeting.
The meeting was attended by the Attorney General of the state, Wole Jimi-Bada; Head of Service, Ayanleye Aina; and Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Samuel Ojo.