Oyo pledges stronger intelligence drive against kidnapping, cybercrime

Oyo State is reinforcing its security apparatus by strengthening intelligence gathering and deepening collaboration with national defense institutions, according to Acting Governor Adebayo Lawal. The administration views security as paramount for sustainable economic development, investment, education, and social stability.

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Oyo places the highest premium on security as the foundation for sustainable economic development, investment, education, social stability, and the wellbeing of its people.

Lawal, speaking through the Secretary to the State Government, Musibau Babatunde, during a visit from the Defence Intelligence College, Karu, stressed that the Makinde-led government has consistently improved the state's security architecture. These improvements include enhanced inter-agency cooperation, better intelligence collection and sharing, investments in surveillance technology, and stronger community engagement.

The Acting Governor acknowledged the evolving nature of security threats, citing kidnapping, banditry, sophisticated criminal networks, and cyber-related crimes as challenges requiring continuous capacity improvement. "The security environment is constantly evolving, with threats such as kidnapping, banditry, sophisticated criminal networks, and cyber-related crimes requiring continuous improvement in capacity to anticipate and respond," he stated.

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The security environment is constantly evolving, with threats such as kidnapping, banditry, sophisticated criminal networks, and cyber-related crimes requiring continuous improvement in capacity to anticipate and respond.

Oyo State has declared its readiness to collaborate further with the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security and intelligence bodies. Areas of cooperation include intelligence development, early warning systems, information sharing, capacity building, and community-based security initiatives. Lawal urged the visiting delegation to engage stakeholders and share experiences to bolster national security, reminding them of their duty to protect lives and preserve national unity.

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Let me, on behalf of the state government, express our readiness to deepen collaboration with the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security and intelligence institutions in areas such as intelligence development, early warning systems, information sharing, capacity building, and community-based security.