In a strategic move to bolster the security architecture of Nigeria’s industrial hub,  the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has reiterated its unwavering commitment to securing the state, declaring that it will not trade the safety of its citizens for anything. 

This was the core message delivered by the Governor during a strategic security meeting with the Deputy Inspector General of Police  in charge of the Southwest, DIG  Fayoade Adegoke, when the Police Chief paid a courtesy call on the Governor in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The Governor, represented by the Secretary to Ogun State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi emphasized that the state government is fully aligned with the need to modernize the security architecture.

 He noted that the government is well aware that contemporary security challenges have far outpaced conventional policing methods.

“As a government, we recognize that tackling insecurity has gone beyond traditional means. We have already scaled up our technology-driven approach, and we remain ready to support the police in every way possible to improve our security landscape,” the SSG stated.

Highlighting the state’s proactive measures, the Governor  revealed that the administration had recently procured 65 patrol vehicles to strengthen the operational capacity of security agencies across the state, noting  that this investment is part of a broader, ongoing strategy to ensure that the state’s borders and industrial hubs remain impenetrable to criminal elements.

Abiodun also used the opportunity to commend the Commissioner of Police (CP) in Ogun State, praising his dedication and passion for the job, which has been instrumental in the successes recorded by the “Gateway Shield” initiative.

Looking toward the immediate future, the Governor proposed a follow-up session to solidify the partnership. “I urge that this meeting be reconvened soon to outline specific, actionable steps,” he said. “We are committed to taking concrete measures to ensure that our security strategies are as dynamic as the threats we face.”

Earlier,  the Ogun s Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Southwest, DIG Fayoade Adegoke, has called for an urgent shift toward a technology-driven security approach to tackle rising cross-border criminal activities.

During the high-level meeting Adegoke emphasized that the state’s status as a critical economic pillar of the country makes its security a matter of national importance. He noted that while the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, remains committed to securing every nook and cranny of the country, the unique challenges of Ogun State require specialized intervention.

Highlighting the success of the state-led  Gateway shield operation, which has been instrumental in the apprehension of several criminal elements, the DIG urged the state government to build upon these gains by intensifying investments in modern security infrastructure.

“The Gateway Shield has proven its effectiveness, but we must now scale our operations,” DIG Adegoke stated. “We are facing evolving threats, particularly from foreign elements infiltrating our borders to abduct citizens for ransom. To counter this, we need to transition into a more aggressive, technology-driven model.”

The DIG specifically requested enhanced logistics support, noting that the nature of the terrain along the international borders demands a robust fleet of high-performance, rugged patrol vehicles. Furthermore, he identified the acquisition of advanced surveillance drones as a top priority.

“The need for this upgrade is very urgent. We need to shift our attention and resources toward our international borders to ensure that criminal elements do not find a foothold in our communities,” he added.

DIG Adegoke expressed his profound appreciation for the Governor’s consistent support of security agencies, noting that the synergy between the state government and the police is vital for maintaining investor confidence and ensuring the economic well-being of the nation.