By Adeyinka Adeniran
Oyo State government on Sunday said covet operations have started at both the Old National Park, Oyo and other identified areas allegedly infiltrated by suspected bandits and criminally minded individuals.
Additionally, the government said joint operations of all security agencies are also well underway.
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade gave the assurance when contacted by Corenews on moves made so far by the government to tackle the rising surging of migration of bandits among other criminals to the stateband region in recent times.
The Commissioner who although refused to reveal the details of strategies to be adopted due to security concerns however assures that the operations will be unfolded sooner than anyone probably anticipate.
Oyelade said: “Intelligence and covert operations are very active in many locations across the state as I speak to you both at the National Park and other identified areas.
“Plans for joint operations of all security agencies are well underway.
“However for security reasons we will not be able to go into the details, scope and time frame of these operations but you will see them unfold sooner than you probably anticipate.,”
Also reacting, the state Commandant, Oyo State Security Network and Amotekun Corps, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (Rtd), assures the people of the state and region as a whole that there is no cause for alarm.
Noting that, the Corps is well prepared for any task ahead, Olayanju said the agency is wide awake to its responsibility and knows what is at stake.
He said several steps are being implemented to curb the influx of bandits in the state and the region.
He noted that the agency has increased surveillance by enhancing monitoring of border areas and vulnerable points through joint operations involving the police, military, and local vigilante groups.
Additionally, he said community engagement initiatives have been established to foster collaboration between law enforcement and local communities while also prioritizing intelligence sharing among security agencies.
Colonel Olayanju said: “We have increased surveillance by enhancing monitoring of border areas and vulnerable points through joint operations involving the police, military, and local vigilante groups.
“Community engagement initiatives have been established to foster collaboration between law enforcement and local communities, encouraging the gathering of intelligence and promoting the reporting of suspicious activities.
“Intelligence sharing among security agencies has been prioritised to ensure a coordinated response to bandit activities.
“Additionally, we have strengthened law enforcement by deploying more personnel and resources to areas identified as hotspots for banditry.
“Public awareness campaigns are underway to educate the public on safety measures and to encourage community vigilance to deter bandit activity.
He added, “Furthermore, we are advocating stronger laws and policies that address the root causes of banditry and provide law enforcement with more robust tools to combat it.
“Collaboration with neighbouring states is also being pursued to create a unified front against banditry and improve security along state borders.
“All these steps are aimed to restore peace and safety in Oyo State while addressing the underlying issues contributing to the rise of banditry.”
Efforts to get the reaction of the Police throught the Spokesman, Adewale Osifeso, a Chief Superintendent of Police, the Special Adviser on Security, CP Fatai Owoseni (Rtd) and the Executive Assistant on Security to the Governor, CP Sunday Odukoya (Rtd) have not yielded results as messages sent to the phones have not been replied as at the time of this report.
