The Osun State Government has established a joint security taskforce and directed security agencies in the state to maintain a 24-hour alert following renewed concerns over violent attacks.
The decision was reached at a State Security Council meeting convened by Governor Ademola Adeleke and presided over by his deputy, Kola Adewusi.
The meeting was attended by the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, alongside commanders of other security agencies.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the government said the taskforce would strengthen intelligence gathering and improve the state’s response to security threats.
Alimi said the government was prepared to provide the necessary logistics to enable security agencies to protect residents and their property.
He stated, “Following the recent security alerts, the Osun State Government has approved the establishment of a joint security task force to strengthen security response and alert to threats to lives and property in the state.”
The deputy governor urged security commanders to remain vigilant and assured them of the administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies.
The council also called on traditional rulers to maintain their role in community-level security monitoring and encouraged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information.
According to the government, residents should be particularly cautious around schools, churches and mosques and ensure that adequate security measures are put in place.
The statement added that the Nigeria Police and other security agencies had been directed to operate on a “24-hour red alert” to prevent possible attacks by suspected bandits and terrorists.
The government also disclosed that the Ministry of Justice, the Police and the Department of State Services had agreed to work together to ensure suspects arrested in connection with security-related offences were properly investigated and prosecuted without unnecessary delays.
The State Security Council commended CP Ibrahim Zungura for introducing policing reforms since assuming office and for personally attending the security meeting.
