The Kwara State Police Command, led by the police commissioner, Victor Olaiya, has convened a high-level strategic security meeting at the Police Officers Mess, GRA, Ilorin, as part of the efforts to enhance the security of the state.
The meeting brought together the major stakeholders in the state, comprising the 16 local government chairmen, traditional leaders in various communities, vigilante and hunter leaders in the 16 LGAs, and the SSA Security to the Governor of Kwara State to address the security challenges and enhance coordination across the state.
Speaking at the meeting, the police commissioner addressed the reoccurring incidents of criminal activities in parts of the state and also sought to strengthen the synergy between various local security outfits.
Victor Olaiya emphasised the importance of collaboration among the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, VGN, local hunters, the Miyetti Allah and Gaa Allah, stressing that unified efforts are key to safeguarding communities from criminal elements.
He further urged security operatives to remain honest and vigilant, warning them against conniving with kidnappers or becoming complicit in criminal activities within their communities.
The police commissioner beckoned on the local government chairmen to enhance security operations in their areas by ensuring that recruitment into the various security groups is conducted thoroughly.
He stressed: “Background checks should be performed to ensure that new recruits have no criminal history. Once this careful selection process is completed, the Kwara State Police Command will organise specialised training sessions to better equip the recruits to carry out their duties effectively.”
The meeting included a session where representatives from each local government area shared their concerns and experiences. The police boss addressed several of their questions and assured them that their challenges would be reviewed and resolved promptly.
Alhaji Muyideen Aliyu, the SSA on Security to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who spoke on behalf of the state government, highlighted the governor’s ongoing security initiatives and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity across Kwara state.
He noted that further measures were being planned to ensure the safety and protection of all citizens, adding that the state government has approved a standardised uniform for all security personnel operating under these groups, symbolising a unified front against criminal activities.
The spokesperson of the state police command, DSP Ejire Adeyemi Toun, said in a statement in Ilorin on Sunday, that the strategic meeting marks a significant step towards fostering collaboration between traditional security groups and the police in the ongoing fight against kidnapping and other criminal activities in Kwara State.
Kwara Commissioner of Police holds strategic security meeting with stakeholders
