THE Osun State Government has approved the establishment of a Joint Security Task Force to strengthen the state’s response to emerging security threats and prevent attacks on lives and property.
The decision was reached at the State Security Council meeting convened by Governor Ademola Adeleke on Wednesday and presided over by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, following recent security alerts over possible attacks by suspected terrorists and bandits.
According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, the state government also pledged to provide the necessary logistics and operational support to ensure the immediate take-off and effective functioning of the JTF.
The new Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Ibrahim Zungura, attended the meeting in person alongside other heads of security agencies operating in the state.
Opening the meeting, Adewusi conveyed Governor Adeleke’s best wishes to the security commanders and commended them for their steadfastness in responding to recent security challenges.
He urged the security agencies not to relent in the face of the fresh threats, assuring them of the state government’s commitment to further empowering the agencies to effectively protect residents and property across the state.
The Deputy Governor was accompanied to the meeting by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Wole Jimi-Bada; Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina; and the Governor’s Special Adviser on Security, Mr Samuel Ojo.
The council also called on traditional rulers across the state to sustain their local security oversight and continue supporting security agencies with relevant information that could assist in preventing criminal activities.
The meeting, which lasted several hours, was also used to reassure residents about their safety, with the council maintaining that Osun remained safe and secure.
However, residents were urged to remain vigilant and take additional security measures, particularly around churches, mosques and schools.
The council advised religious institutions, school authorities and other stakeholders to strengthen security arrangements around their premises and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the appropriate authorities.
It also appealed to members of the public to share timely and credible intelligence with security agencies to enable them to prevent possible attacks by suspected terrorists and bandits.
The Nigeria Police Force, in conjunction with other security agencies, was directed to maintain a 24-hour red alert across the state as part of measures to prevent and respond swiftly to any emerging security threat.
The council further resolved that the Ministry of Justice, Nigeria Police and Department of State Services should strengthen collaboration to ensure that suspects arrested in connection with security-related offences are properly investigated and prosecuted without unnecessary delay.
The government said the arrangement was aimed at ensuring prompt legal attention to security cases while guaranteeing that suspects were subjected to due process.
At the end of the meeting, the council commended the new Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, for instituting policing reforms since assuming office.
Zungura was also praised for personally attending the security meeting, with the council stressing the importance of direct engagement and coordination among security agencies in tackling emerging threats.
The establishment of the Joint Security Task Force comes amid heightened security concerns following recent alerts over possible attacks in some parts of the state, particularly in vulnerable communities and public places.
The state government therefore urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, assuring them that security agencies had been mobilised to protect lives and property throughout Osun State.