Security
Oyo: Makinde donates 25 operational Vehicles to Police, Operation Burst
Engineer Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Friday, donated 25 operational vehicles fully equipped with communication gadgets to the security agencies in the State.
He declared his administration’s commitment to support security agencies to discharge their duties, and also willing to prioritise the welfare of security personnel in the State.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, which was obtained by CAPITAL POST indicated that ten (10) of the vehicles were donated to the Swift Response Squad (SRS), a unit of the Nigeria Police Force, while the remaining fifteen (15) vehicles were donated to the Operation Burst, a state-backed unit comprising the military, police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Governor Makinde, speaking while donating the vehicles at the frontage of the Presidential Lodge, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, said: “It is my pleasure this afternoon to hand over these operational vehicles to both the SRS and Operation Burst.
“This is a period when, irrespective of what people have been doing from the beginning of the year till now, they still want to have a merry Christmas. There are people out there who have not sown anything but they want to reap where they did not sow.
“Yes, we have had a challenging year, COVID-19 from the beginning of the year, then economic meltdown and #EndSARS protests. “Well, the way I look at it is, we would not say that because of those challenges, we will not continue to do what we are supposed to do. I just want to use this opportunity to let the Nigeria Police Force, especially officers and men serving in Oyo State Command, know that under my watch, we will continue to support them and their families.”
Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Security, COMPOL Fatai Owoseni (Rtd), said that security is one of the pillars of the Makinde administration and that the government has been closing the infrastructural gaps in the security sector to make Oyo State safer and secure for all and sundry.
He added that the operational vehicles would further strengthen the infrastructure of the two outfits.
“Security is one of the pillars of Your Excellency’s dynamic administration. And of course, to that end, you have been doing all that is required by closing the infrastructural gaps of the security agencies to make Oyo State safer, secure and investor-friendly. You have always been granting the requests of all the security outfits in Oyo State.
“Today is another day for the security outfits in Oyo State to laugh… All of us know and we are not in doubt that this effort would further strengthen the infrastructure of these two outfits.”
Similarly, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Joe Enwonwu, appreciated the governor for being there always for the Oyo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force, pledging the readiness of his officers and men to sustain and embolden the security status of Oyo State and provide conducive atmosphere for both local, institutional and foreign investors.
He said: “Your Excellency, it is with great honour and privilege that we are here to grace this occasion as one of your pillars in sustaining and emboldening the security status of Oyo State, to the extent that it will provide conducive atmosphere for both local, institutional and foreign investors if the environment is secure and safe.
“We have just come out of COVID-19, #EndSARS protests and the consequent carnage that has devastated the economy of not only the nation but particularly that of Oyo State.
And as we are coming out, we are really taken aback that Your Excellency is able to provide additional vehicles to reinforce the security arrangement for Oyo State.
“I want to assure you that with this new set of vehicles, the Police, on its part, will do their level best to reinforce security and make sure that people can confidently come out, do their businesses and sleep with their two eyes closed.
“During the operational tour of the IGP, he spoke to the officers and made it abundantly clear that we should all come out confidently to give the best of security to the people of Oyo State. And we should put behind whatever had happened during the #EndSARS protest that led to the loss of lives. We have actually taken that in our strides.
“As I speak to you, we are presently doing training and retraining in our two mobile platforms of MOPOL 4 and MOPOL 72, Ago- Are, with a view to reinforcing and rebuilding confidence in the officers and men of Oyo State Command.”
The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammad Badaru Abubakar has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to providing modern military equipments, prioritizing welfare of personnel and trainings for operational effectiveness. This statement was made during the Opening Ceremony of the First Batch of Special Operations Force Training and Equipping for the Armed Forces of Nigeria at Camp Kabala in Jaji, Kaduna State.
The Minister emphasized, “This milestone marks a new chapter in our commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defence capabilities, enhancing our response to evolving security threats, and ensuring that our forces remain among the best-trained and most resilient in the world.”
He outlined the necessity for an elite force that is not only well-equipped but also proficient in advanced tactics, unconventional warfare, intelligence-driven operations, and rapid response missions. He stated, “Our vision is to build a highly skilled, agile, and mission-ready force capable of executing specialized operations in diverse and complex environments.”
This Special Operations Force Training is a strategic initiative aimed at improving operational effectiveness in combating terrorism, insurgency, transnational crime, and other asymmetric threats facing our nation. The Special Operations Force will serve as a critical pillar in securing national sovereignty, protecting citizens, and maintaining peace and stability both within and beyond our borders.
Furthermore, he said that the training program is meticulously designed to develop personnel in special combat tactics, counterterrorism operations, intelligence gathering, and hostage rescue missions. “Trainees will be prepared for high-risk missions in urban and hostile environments, ensuring adaptability to dynamic threats. Given the inter-agency nature of modern security challenges, this training will promote seamless collaboration among personnel from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and other security agencies,” he explained.
Recognizing that Special Operations require not only technical skills but also mental resilience, he emphasized that the training will rigorously test and refine the physical and psychological endurance of our troops. “Emphasis will be placed on leadership under pressure, fostering duty, discipline, and camaraderie among participants,” he stated.
According to the Minister: “Upon completion of this intensive training program, we anticipate a force capable of conducting high-impact operations with precision, speed, and efficiency. This will enhance our ability to neutralize threats and proactively respond to security challenges. The newly trained Special Operations Force will be deployed to critical areas nationwide, reinforcing our national security architecture,” he said.
Minister Badaru assured that this training is merely the beginning, as trainees will continue to hone their skills and adapt to new threats while upholding the highest military standards.
The inauguration marks the first batch of 800 trainees out of a planned total of 2,400, as part of a long-term strategy to develop world-class special operations capabilities within the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The program will be sustained and expanded to include personnel from all branches of the Armed Forces. The President and Commander-in-Chief, as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, is committed to equipping our Special Operations Forces with modern weapons, surveillance systems, and intelligence tools to enhance operational effectiveness.
Furthermore, the Ministry will continue to collaborate with allied nations and international defence institutions to adopt best practices and improve interoperability in joint operations. Beyond this training, troops will have access to advanced specialized courses in counter-insurgency, cyber warfare, and strategic reconnaissance. To the gallant trainees, Minister Badaru remarked, “This program will be one of the most challenging experiences of your career, but it will also be one of the most rewarding. Your dedication, resilience, and commitment to duty will define the future of Nigeria’s security landscape. I urge you to give your best, push beyond your limits, and embrace the honour of being part of this elite force.”
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda emphasized the critical role that Special Operations Forces play in modern military strategy, particularly in counterterrorism, asymmetric warfare, and high-risk operations. “Special Operations Forces are the backbone of modern military strategy, playing a critical role in counterterrorism, asymmetric warfare, and high-risk operations that demand precision, resilience, and exceptional tactical expertise,” he stated.
He reiterated that the training program is designed to equip troops with advanced skills necessary to address the complex and evolving security threats facing Nigeria. He highlighted the importance of excellence, discipline, and adaptability in preparing forces to confront these challenges effectively.
He expressed gratitude to the esteemed instructors and training facilitators, acknowledging their dedication to shaping the next generation of elite warriors. “Your guidance will forge them into a formidable force capable of executing missions,” he stated.
The Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Abubakar Zubairu has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to fostering community-driven security solutions.
He stated this while addressing a cross-section of Stakeholders at the Okene engagement programme and further re-echoing the call for community participation in security efforts, noting that manpower limitations and resource constraints necessitate an inclusive Policing approach.
He commended the Commissioner for his proactive leadership and stressed that “security is everybody’s business, and together, we can ensure stability and peace.”
In his remarks, CP Dantawaye reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to fostering the implementation of Community Policing project as a key approach for effective Policing.
He emphasised the importance of synergy between Law enforcement Agencies, Traditional Institutions, Local Communities, as well as other Security stakeholders in combating crime, particularly kidnapping and other security threats.
He further commended the unwavering dedication among various security formations, including the NSCDC, Local Vigilante, Hunters, as well as NYSC members.
He urged the community members to play an active role in intelligence gathering, stating that, Policing cannot be done by the men on uniform alone. We need every citizen to be our eyes and ears to ensure a safe society.
He cautioned the officers on discipline, professionalism as well as respect for Human rights. He disclosed that Police Officers are undergoing continuous training to improve the operational capacity and to also equip them with the needed skills for investigation.
The event witnessed the presence of respected traditional rulers, local government representatives, transport unions, and various ethnic and community groups, all of whom pledged their commitment to strengthening security collaboration.
As part of ongoing efforts to curb crime, the Nigeria Police Force in Kogi State will intensify intelligence-based operations, enhance police-community relations, and continue engaging stakeholders to ensure lasting peace and security in the region.
Lt. Cynthia Akor, a Navy officer attached to Defence Headquarters in Abuja and two others have been abducted with their abductors demanding for N100 million ransome for their release.
The officer and others were reportedly kidnapped from their residences in the Mpape area of the Federal Capital Territory on Friday night and by Saturday their abductors called their families and demanded for N100 million ransom for the victims to be freed.
Our correspondent learnt on Saturday that their abductors have gotten in touch over ransom.
A source said: “Anong the three people that were kidnapped on Friday night in the Mpape area is a DHQ official, Akor.
“The kidnappers have already reached out to their families and are demanding N100m ransom,” the source said.
Efforts to reach the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, and the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, were unsuccessful, as they had yet to respond to messages as of the time of filing this report.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, Josephine Adeh, said she would confirm the incident and provide further details.
“I will confirm and get back to you shortly,” she simply stated.
She has not reverted as of the time of filing this report.
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