Insecurity: Ondo LG Floats Own Security Outfit

By Ayodele Oni

Following escalating insecurity, Owo local government in Ondo state has floated a security outfit to tackle incessant kidnappings and terrorists attacks.

Already, the first set of the personnel, numbering 150 are currently undergoing training, being coordinated by the Ondo state Police Command.

The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, Adebowale Lawal, has visited the trainees to assess their preparedness for the task.

The newly formed Owo Security Network, an initiative of Omolayo Tope, Chairman, Owo Local Government Council, will complement efforts of the police, other security agents in tackling insecurity in the area.

Spokesman of Ondo police command, Olusola Ayanlade who shed light on the new outfit, explained that “The security network, comprising men and women drawn from the local communities, is currently undergoing specialized training by the Nigeria Police Force, Ondo State Command.

“The initiative aims to complement the efforts of the police in ensuring effective and efficient service delivery in the protection of lives and property.

“A total of 150 operatives, constituting the first batch of trainees, are being prepared for their new role as vigilante operatives. Two additional batches, expected to number between 150 and 200 operatives each, will subsequently undergo the same training.

“Upon completion, all operatives will operate in close collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force to enhance security across Owo Local Government.

“In addition to their overt security duties, the operatives will also work covertly to gather and provide timely, accurate, and actionable intelligence to the police, thereby strengthening the Command’s capacity to prevent and respond swiftly to security threats.

“As the ember months approach — a period often associated with increased criminal activities nationwide — the Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Lawal, is proactively emplacing robust security measures to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

“This targeted training of both state and non-state actors is part of the Command’s comprehensive strategy to ensure a peaceful, crime-free season across the state.

“The Commissioner assured that the Command will provide continuous training and capacity building for the operatives, noting that the protection of the rights and freedoms of all citizens remains paramount in all security operations.

“This pioneering programme further affirms the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment — under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM — to community policing, engagement, and partnership.

“It also aligns with the IGP’s vision and mission statement, which emphasizes people-centered policing, transparency, adherence to the rule of law, and enhanced community participation in security.”

In his remarks, CP Lawal expressed profound appreciation to the IGP for his continuous support to the Command and for championing the cause of community policing nationwide.

The CP commended the vision behind the Owo Security Network and tasked other local governments within the state to embrace such initiatives, noting that security is a collective responsibility that requires all stakeholders to work in synergy.

He further encouraged the operatives to discharge their duties diligently, remain law-abiding, act strictly within the provisions of the law, and recognize that their role — both in visible patrols and discreet intelligence gathering — will be critical to safeguarding the community, especially during the ember months.

The Chairman of Owo Local Government, Omolayo Tope, pledged the council’s continued cooperation with the police and other security agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in Owo Local Government Area.