The Ogun State Community, Social Orientation and Safety Corps (So-Safe Corps) has identified the erosion of family values, societal glorification of unexplained wealth and weak community vigilance as major factors driving the rising cases of kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes across Nigeria. The agency stressed that addressing insecurity requires a collective effort involving families, religious institutions, community leaders, government and every citizen.
Speaking during a special interview on NSTV International's programme on Insecurity and Societal Growth, the Assistant Commander of Corps in charge of Information and Public Relations, ACC Adegunwa Adegbuyi, who represented the State Commander, Commander Dr. Soji Ganzallo, FCAI, FIIM, explained that he attended the programme on behalf of the Corps Commander, who was presiding over an emergency security meeting on emerging threats, including suspected banditry and kidnapping in Ogun State.
According to Acc Adegbuyi, the foundation of insecurity often begins within the family, where parents unknowingly encourage unhealthy competition among children by celebrating wealth without questioning its source. He warned that when financial success becomes the sole measure of respect, young people may resort to internet fraud, kidnapping and other criminal activities to gain recognition. He also criticised some religious organisations and communities for honouring wealthy individuals without scrutinising how their wealth was acquired, saying such attitudes indirectly encourage criminality.
The So-Safe spokesperson further noted that although the judiciary operates strictly within the provisions of the law, successful prosecution depends largely on the quality of evidence presented before the courts. He therefore called for stronger investigations, improved intelligence gathering and greater public cooperation with security agencies, stressing that the fight against crime cannot be won without credible evidence and timely information from citizens.
Speaking on Ogun State's peculiar security challenges as a border state, Adegunwa Adegbuyi described So-Safe Corps as a grassroots security organisation with operational structures extending from the state headquarters to zonal, area, divisional and community posts.
He disclosed that the Corps works closely with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies through intelligence sharing, surveillance operations and joint security patrols. He added that information supplied by residents has led to several successful operations, including the exposure of illegal activities involving the diversion and sale of diesel meant for government construction projects.
The Corps spokesman also revealed that modern technology has significantly enhanced security operations, citing the deployment of drones, intelligence networks and tracking devices in collaboration with other security agencies.
He referenced recent rescue operations in Ogun State, where victims regained their freedom within hours through coordinated intelligence-driven efforts, while stressing that operational strategies cannot always be made public for security reasons.
Offering practical security advice, Adegunwa A urged residents to remain vigilant by monitoring CCTV systems, reporting suspicious movements, clearing abandoned buildings and overgrown bushes within their communities, and promptly notifying security agencies of strange activities. He warned against ignoring suspicious houses, unusual business activities or unattended objects, stressing that community vigilance remains one of the strongest weapons against crime.
He encouraged Community Development Associations (CDAs) and Community Development Committees (CDCs) to strengthen collaboration with security agencies by providing credible intelligence before crimes occur.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Corps, Adegunwa Adegbuyi conveyed the assurance of the State Commander that So-Safe Corps would continue working with sister security agencies to safeguard lives and property across Ogun State. He maintained that the Corps remains accessible through its emergency lines, official website and social media platforms for prompt response to distress calls.
He also commended NSTV International for using journalism and public engagement to promote peace, security awareness and national development, describing the media as a vital partner in building a safer and more secure society.
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