By Adeyinka Adeniran
Security stakeholders on Tuesday called for coordinated action among all relevant authorities, including the federal and state governments, security agencies, border control Institutions, and traditional leaders, to increase collaboration between Immigration Services and local communities to monitor illegal entry and movement.
Additionally, the stakeholders called for a coordinated operations to dismantle criminal networks operating across the Southwest state and their international boundaries.
This is as they also made case for the setting up of Southwest Joint Security Task Force comprising representatives from the Police, Military, DSS, Amotekun, local vigilantes, civil defense, local hunters and other agencies required.
Some of the dignitaries at the Summit include: Chairman, Council of Yoruba Elders, Dr Victor Taiwo, Oyo/Osun Zonal Chairman, Police Community Relations Committee, Otunba Obafemi Arowosola, Southwest Chairman of Farmers, Mr Adewumi Abass and Chief Imam of Yorubaland, Sheik AbdulRaheem Aduanigba among others.
The stakeholders views were contained in a communique which was issued after an event tagged the ‘Southwest and other Yoruba Speaking States Security Summit for Safety, and Development.’
The Summit, organised by the Yoruba Afenifere Youth Organization of Nigeria (YAYON) held at the House of Chiefs, Oyo state House of Assembly Complex, Agodi, Secretariat, Ibadan with the theme: “Addressing Security Challenges in Southwest Nigeria for Safety, Peace, Unity of Purpose and Progress of the region”
Presenting the communique after several hours of deliberations, the National President of YAYON, Comrade Eric Oluwole to tackle the rising security challenge in the region, government must encourage anonymous and secure reporting channels (hotlines, mobile apps) for citizens to share useful information.
He said the resolution were reached after a comprehensive review of the current security situation in the Southwest region, which was followed up with extensive consultations and cross discussions with our Royal fathers, stakeholders, security agencies, community leaders, and civil society organizations.
He added that there is the urgent need for reforms in security operations, noting that security operations can only succeed in an environment of mutual trust and cooperation.
While calling for an immediate measures to ensure professionalism, accountability, and discipline within security agencies, the YAYON President stressed that the welfare of security agencies should be improved through the provision of additional benefits, while prompt and consistent salary payments must be ensured to enhance morale and address the issue of occasional delays.
Oluwole said, “We urge all relevant authorities, including the Federal and State Governments, security agencies, border control institutions, and traditional leaders, to increase collaboration between immigration services and local communities to monitor illegal entry and movement.
“Conduct coordinated operations to dismantle criminal networks operating across the Southwest State and their International boundaries.
“Set up a Southwest Joint Security Task Force comprising representatives from the Police, Military, DSS, Amotekun, Local Vigilantes, Civil Defense. Local Hunters and other Agencies required.
“Create a central command and communication center to coordinate intelligence sharing and rapid response operations.
“Implement a centralized security incident reporting platform accessible to all agencies and stakeholders, and develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to guide inter-agency collaboration and community engagement.
“Organize regular town hall meetings to address local security concerns and develop joint solutions, while also promoting community outreach programs that encourage officers to engage with residents, fostering trust and transparency.
“Support rural farmers with protective measures and compensation schemes to mitigate the impact of farm invasions. Fast-track the prosecution of arrested criminals to serve as a deterrent.”
