The Osun State Government has established a joint security taskforce to strengthen security operations, intelligence gathering and response to emerging threats across the state.
The decision followed concerns over a recent resurgence in violent crimes and security alerts affecting residents.
The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, disclosed this in a statement obtained in Osogbo on Thursday.
According to Alimi, the taskforce was approved during a State Security Council meeting convened by Governor Ademola Adeleke and presided over by Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi.
The meeting was attended by the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, alongside other heads of security agencies in the state.
Alimi said the government was prepared to provide the necessary logistics and support required to strengthen the protection of lives and property.
“Following the recent security alerts, the Osun State Government has approved the establishment of a joint security task force to strengthen security response and alert to threats to lives and property in the state,” he said.
Adewusi conveyed the governor’s appreciation to security commanders for their efforts during recent security challenges and urged them to remain vigilant in the face of emerging threats.
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He also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to further empowering security agencies to protect residents, while calling on traditional rulers to sustain their local security oversight.
The Security Council, according to the statement, also sought to reassure residents that Osun remained safe, while urging members of the public to take additional precautions.
Residents were advised to remain particularly vigilant around churches, mosques and schools and to strengthen security measures around their premises.
The council also appealed to members of the public to promptly share credible intelligence with security agencies to help prevent possible attacks by suspected terrorists and bandits.
The Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies were directed to maintain a 24-hour alert to respond to potential threats.
The council further agreed that the Ministry of Justice, Nigeria Police and Department of State Services (DSS) should collaborate to ensure that suspects arrested in connection with security incidents are properly investigated and prosecuted without unnecessary delay.
The government also commended Zungura for the policing reforms introduced since assuming office as Commissioner of Police and for personally attending the security council meeting.
The establishment of the joint taskforce is part of the state government’s efforts to improve coordination among security agencies and strengthen intelligence-led responses to security threats across Osun.