Governor Adeleke Raises Alarm Over Bandits’ Infiltration

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has raised a serious security alarm over the reported infiltration of bandits into parts of the state through the Kwara border, warning that the development poses a growing threat to lives, property, and long-term regional stability.

The governor’s warning comes amid rising concerns about cross-border criminal movement in the South-West and North-Central regions of Nigeria. According to Adeleke, intelligence reports and recent security briefings suggest that armed bandits are exploiting porous boundaries between Kwara and Osun States to establish routes, hideouts, and escape corridors.

As a result, the Osun State Government has called for immediate, coordinated action involving federal security agencies, neighboring states, traditional institutions, and local communities to prevent the situation from escalating. Read also Emirates Airlines Offers Full Scholarship and Career Path to Nnamdi Kanu’s Son

A Growing Security Concern Along the Osun–Kwara Axis

Governor Adeleke disclosed that the Osun–Kwara border, which stretches across several rural and forested communities, has increasingly become vulnerable to infiltration due to its vast terrain and limited permanent security presence.

While speaking during a high-level security meeting in Osogbo, the governor stressed that the state would not wait until bandit activities spiral into full-blown violence before taking decisive action.

According to him, proactive measures remain the only effective way to protect residents and preserve peace across the state.

He further explained that intelligence shared with the state government indicates that some criminal elements displaced by sustained military operations in parts of the North-West are gradually shifting southward.

Unfortunately, forest corridors and unmonitored rural paths have made such movement easier.

Adeleke Calls for Stronger Inter-State Collaboration

Governor Adeleke emphasized that security challenges do not respect state boundaries. Therefore, he urged neighboring states, particularly Kwara, to deepen collaboration in intelligence sharing, joint patrols, and coordinated response strategies.

According to the governor, criminals often exploit gaps between jurisdictions. However, effective cooperation can close those gaps quickly.

He noted that his administration has already opened communication channels with the Kwara State Government and relevant federal agencies to ensure that border security receives urgent attention.

This approach, he said, aligns with best practices in modern security management.

Security Agencies Placed on High Alert

Following the alarm raised by the governor, security agencies operating in Osun State have been placed on high alert.

These include the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, and the Amotekun Corps.

Governor Adeleke instructed security commanders to intensify patrols, particularly in border communities and forest zones.

He also directed that surveillance operations be expanded to detect suspicious movements early.

According to the governor, prevention remains far cheaper and safer than crisis response.

Therefore, his administration is prioritizing early warning systems and rapid response mechanisms.

Role of Amotekun in Border Security

The Osun State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, has been assigned a critical role in addressing the threat.

Governor Adeleke praised the corps for its familiarity with local terrain and community networks.

He explained that Amotekun operatives, working alongside conventional security agencies, can provide valuable grassroots intelligence.

Moreover, their presence reassures residents and strengthens trust between communities and the government.

The governor, however, stressed that Amotekun would operate strictly within the law and in coordination with federal authorities.

Traditional Rulers and Community Leaders Not Left Out

Recognizing the importance of local knowledge, Governor Adeleke called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and youth groups to remain vigilant.

He urged them to report strange movements, unfamiliar faces, and suspicious activities promptly.

According to him, security agencies alone cannot win the fight against banditry without community cooperation.

He also warned against harboring criminals under any guise.

In his words, anyone found aiding or shielding bandits would face the full weight of the law.

Federal Government Urged to Act Decisively

Governor Adeleke used the opportunity to appeal to the Federal Government to strengthen security along inter-state borders nationwide.

He noted that banditry remains a national challenge that requires federal coordination, adequate funding, and modern surveillance technology.

According to him, states can only complement federal efforts.

Therefore, sustained federal intervention remains crucial.

The governor also called for improved deployment of personnel, drones, and communication equipment to vulnerable zones.

Such measures, he argued, would significantly reduce criminals’ freedom of movement.

Residents Express Mixed Reactions

Meanwhile, residents of border communities in Osun State have expressed mixed reactions to the development.

While some welcomed the governor’s proactive stance, others expressed fear over potential attacks.

Farmers, in particular, voiced concerns about safety while working on farmlands close to forest areas.

However, many residents praised the early warning, noting that awareness itself improves preparedness.

Several community members also called for increased government presence in rural areas.

Economic and Social Implications

Security experts warn that unchecked bandit infiltration could have serious economic and social consequences.

For instance, agricultural activities may decline if farmers abandon farmlands due to fear.

Similarly, local trade and investment could suffer.

Governor Adeleke acknowledged these risks.

Therefore, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining Osun as a safe environment for business, education, and tourism.

Osun’s Broader Security Strategy

The alarm over the Kwara border forms part of Osun State’s broader security strategy.

Since assuming office, Governor Adeleke has consistently emphasized security as a foundation for development.

His administration has invested in logistics, intelligence coordination, and welfare support for security personnel.

In addition, community-based policing initiatives have been strengthened.

These efforts, according to government officials, have contributed to relative peace in the state.

Lessons from Other Regions

Analysts note that several states that ignored early warning signs of bandit infiltration later faced severe security crises.

Consequently, Adeleke’s alarm is seen as a timely intervention.

By acting early, Osun State may prevent the entrenchment of criminal networks.

Experts also stress the importance of sustained vigilance.

Call for National Unity Against Banditry

Governor Adeleke concluded by calling for national unity in the fight against banditry.

He stressed that criminals thrive when divisions exist among governments and communities.

Therefore, collective action remains the strongest defense.

He assured residents that his government would continue to provide updates and act transparently.

Conclusion

The alarm raised by Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke over bandits’ infiltration through the Kwara border highlights a growing security challenge that demands urgent attention.

However, the proactive response, strong inter-agency coordination, and community involvement offer hope.

If sustained, these measures could prevent escalation and preserve peace across Osun State.

As Nigerians continue to grapple with insecurity nationwide, early warnings such as this underscore the importance of vigilance, cooperation, and decisive leadership.

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