Ogun, Police Intensify Security Collaboration, Seek Stronger Border Surveillance

The Ogun State Government and the Nigeria Police Force have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening security across the state, with renewed efforts focused on combating cross-border crimes and protecting lives, property, and critical economic assets.

This formed the basis of discussions during a strategic security meeting between the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of the South-West, DIG Fayoade Adegoke, and Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The meeting focused on deepening collaboration between the state government and security agencies to address emerging security threats, particularly criminal activities linked to Nigeria’s international borders.

Speaking during the meeting, Talabi reiterated the Ogun State Government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and investors, describing security as a critical component of the administration’s development agenda.

He noted that Ogun State’s status as one of Nigeria’s leading industrial and commercial hubs makes it imperative to maintain a secure environment capable of supporting economic growth and attracting investment.

According to the SSG, the state government has consistently provided operational support and logistics to security agencies to enhance their effectiveness in combating crime across the state.

Talabi disclosed that the government recently procured 65 patrol vehicles to boost the operational capacity of security agencies, adding that the initiative was part of broader efforts to secure communities and strategic economic corridors.

He also commended the Ogun State Commissioner of Police and other security stakeholders for their dedication to maintaining peace and security through the state’s Gateway Shield initiative, which he said has recorded significant successes in tackling criminal activities.

The SSG emphasized the importance of sustained engagement among security agencies and government officials to ensure that security strategies remain proactive and responsive to emerging threats.

Earlier, DIG Adegoke highlighted the strategic importance of Ogun State to Nigeria’s economy, stressing that security challenges within the state could have wider implications for national development.

The police chief expressed concern over the growing threat of cross-border crimes, particularly the activities of criminal elements exploiting porous international boundaries to infiltrate communities and engage in kidnapping and other criminal activities.

He called for stronger border surveillance and enhanced operational capabilities to enable security agencies respond more effectively to evolving security threats.

According to Adegoke, the successes recorded under the Gateway Shield operation underscore the importance of collaboration between the government and security agencies, urging stakeholders to strengthen existing partnerships to consolidate the gains achieved.

The DIG also appealed for additional logistics support, particularly for operations in difficult terrains within border communities, while advocating greater deployment of modern surveillance technology to improve intelligence gathering and crime prevention efforts.

He commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for his continued support for security agencies, noting that the strong partnership between the Ogun State Government and law enforcement institutions has played a vital role in maintaining peace, security, and investor confidence.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to intelligence-led policing, enhanced inter-agency cooperation, and sustained collaboration aimed at ensuring that Ogun State remains safe, economically vibrant, and resilient against criminal threats.