Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has convened a high-level security council meeting to review strategies aimed at strengthening public safety and countering the growing threat posed by organised kidnapping gangs.
The governor received detailed briefings from security commanders following Tuesday’s attack on the Eruku community in the Ekiti Local Government Area of the state.
Briefing journalists after the meeting on Friday, the Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, said the council “harvested insights from security commanders on recent developments and field intelligence in the aftermath of the Eruku incident, including ongoing efforts to track down the perpetrators and rescue the victims.”
He noted that the council commended the intensified security deployments, especially recent air interdictions that have dislodged kidnappers from known hideouts in Ifelodun. He added that continuous aerial operations had been recommended to sustain pressure on criminal enclaves.
The meeting also applauded the military, police, and DSS for additional deployments across the state. In line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has deployed four tactical units – the Special Weapons and Tactics Team, Intelligence Response Team, Special Tactical Squad, and Special Intervention Squad – to neutralise further threats.
According to the police and DSS, several arrests have been made, including food and fuel suppliers linked to the kidnappers and a suspect from Makurdi who confessed to repairing weapons for the criminal network.
The council further endorsed the government’s precautionary measures around schools in parts of the state, noting that such decisions may be relaxed or extended based on credible intelligence. Against the backdrop of developments in neighbouring Niger State earlier in the day, the council urged continued vigilance and timely reporting of any suspicious activity.
As the Yuletide approaches, the meeting approved joint patrols by security agencies across different parts of the state and recommended heightened protection of vulnerable locations.
Expressing concern over the harmful effects of misinformation and unverified social media posts on national security efforts, the council cautioned the public against sharing sensitive security information, including ransom demands, which could endanger citizens.
Citizens were advised to avoid night farming and late-night social activities and to promptly report any suspicious movements to security agencies, government officials, or traditional rulers.
The meeting observed a minute’s silence in honour of the victims of the Eruku CAC attack and extended condolences to their families and the wider community.
Olusola Akintonde