By NSTV REPORTER
The Commandant of the Ogun State Security Network Agency and Amotekun Corps, Brig. Gen. A. I. Adedigba, has assured residents and investors that Ogun remains one of Nigeria's safest states, attributing the state's relative peace to strong government support, proactive security operations and effective collaboration among security agencies.
Speaking during an interview, Adedigba acknowledged that insecurity, particularly kidnapping and banditry, remains a national challenge, but stressed that Ogun has continued to record remarkable successes in tackling criminal activities through intelligence-led operations. According to him, the administration of Dapo Abiodun has consistently provided logistics, operational support and funding to security agencies, enabling them to respond swiftly to threats and maintain public safety.
The Amotekun commander, however, expressed concern over the growing misuse of social media, describing the spread of fake security alerts and recycled videos as a major obstacle to public confidence. He noted that many viral images and videos falsely presented as incidents in Ogun or elsewhere in Nigeria often originated from other countries, creating unnecessary panic among residents. He urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing it, warning that misinformation undermines security efforts.
Adedigba explained that while unemployment and economic hardship may contribute to criminality in some cases, many kidnappers and bandits are simply individuals with criminal tendencies who deliberately choose crime as a business. Citing recent incidents, including cases where family members or public office holders allegedly staged kidnappings, he argued that not every criminal act should be blamed on economic hardship. He maintained that paying ransom only encourages kidnappers to continue their activities and called for tougher penalties against perpetrators.
He disclosed that security agencies in Ogun had successfully foiled several kidnapping attempts, particularly around border communities, while many suspects had been arrested through coordinated operations involving the police, Amotekun and other security formations. According to him, criminals who operate within the state are either apprehended or neutralised, adding that Ogun's proactive security architecture has significantly reduced the frequency of such incidents.
The retired general also linked security directly to economic development, noting that Ogun's status as Nigeria's industrial hub reflects investors' confidence in the state's peaceful environment. He pointed to the concentration of industries stretching from Kara through Sagamu to other industrial corridors as evidence that businesses can only thrive where lives and property are adequately protected.
Adedigba stressed that intelligence remains the most effective weapon against crime, insisting that security agencies cannot function without timely information from the public. He reiterated the importance of the "See Something, Say Something" campaign, urging residents to report suspicious movements promptly rather than waiting until after incidents occur. According to him, delayed reporting often limits the ability of security agencies to respond effectively.
He called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community associations and parents to strengthen grassroots security by promoting vigilance, discouraging criminal behaviour and sharing credible information with security agencies. He commended several traditional rulers who have mobilised their communities to counter false rumours and reassure residents during periods of tension, describing such leadership as critical to sustaining peace.
The Amotekun boss further applauded the Ogun State Government for expanding the state's security infrastructure through the recruitment of additional personnel, acquisition of operational vehicles and deployment of modern surveillance technologies, including CCTV systems. He said technology, forensic investigations, drones and digital intelligence have become indispensable tools in combating crime, adding that the government remains committed to upgrading security facilities across the state.
On the issue of punishment for kidnappers and bandits, Adedigba advocated stringent sanctions, insisting that criminals who terrorise innocent citizens deserve severe legal consequences. He argued that strong laws and strict enforcement would serve as effective deterrents and discourage others from engaging in violent crimes.
He concluded by urging every resident to regard security as a collective responsibility, saying government and security agencies alone cannot guarantee peace without the active cooperation of the public. According to him, timely information, community participation and sustained collaboration among all stakeholders remain the foundation for a safer and more prosperous Ogun State.
No comments:
Post a Comment