Moves to Fortify Borders Amid Rising Insecurity in Neighboring States
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has returned to the state ahead of schedule, abruptly cutting short his vacation due to growing security concerns in neighbouring states. The governor convened an emergency meeting with heads of security agencies on Thursday in Ikogosi-Ekiti to assess the threats and strengthen the state’s security architecture.
Speaking after the closed-door session, Governor Oyebanji reassured residents that Ekiti remains safe, peaceful, and well-secured, emphasizing that his administration is committed to taking proactive steps to prevent any infiltration by criminal elements.
Governor Oyebanji disclosed that he was fully briefed by security chiefs, who assured him of tightened surveillance and stepped-up intelligence operations across all entry points into the state. He stated that the ongoing developments in neighbouring states necessitated his urgent return.
“We are elected to serve the people. Although I was on leave, the security situation within nearby borders made it necessary for me to return home and meet our security chiefs,” he said.
According to him, the government has intensified efforts to strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance surveillance in border communities, and create an environment where criminals cannot operate.
He added, “Our security agencies have assured us that Ekiti will be protected, and we will give them everything needed to secure the state. Ekiti is peaceful, and we are on track. Some details cannot be shared publicly, but we are satisfied with the briefings and confident in the measures being implemented.”
Governor Oyebanji appealed to citizens to actively support security operations by providing credible intelligence. He emphasized that no security architecture can function effectively without community participation.
“If you see something, say something. The quality of intelligence received is extremely critical. Ekiti cannot and will not become a haven for criminals,” he noted.
He also praised security agencies for their professionalism, unity, and commitment to maintaining Ekiti’s reputation as one of the safest states in Nigeria.
Governor Oyebanji commended President Bola Tinubu for his ongoing commitment to national security, noting that federal support continues to enhance local efforts at maintaining peace and stability.
Special Adviser on Security Matters, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (retd.), lauded the governor’s proactive response, describing it as a demonstration of his unwavering dedication to the protection of lives and property in the state.
Ogundana noted that Ekiti’s safety reputation is not accidental, but the result of consistent forward-thinking policies and timely interventions such as this.
This latest move follows previous calls by Governor Oyebanji for increased federal security presence in the state. In May 2025, he urged the Nigeria Police Force to deploy additional personnel to strengthen security ahead of the election season, especially across border towns vulnerable to external threats.
During a visit to Ado-Ekiti, he had appealed to the newly posted Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 17, Musibau Omolabi, to intensify operations and bolster policing strategies in the region.
With the heightened vigilance now in place, Ekiti State authorities assure citizens that every necessary action is being taken to maintain peace and protect the state from emerging security threats.
