ABEOKUTA – Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has noted that Nigeria is not a special country immune from security threats.
The governor, however, issued a stern warning to traditional leaders, declaring that any Baale found allocating land to strangers or signing unauthorized land agreements will be held fully accountable under the law.
Speaking during a high-level security meeting on Monday with security chiefs at his Iperu Remo residence, Ogun State, the governor emphasized that all land in Ogun State belongs to the government, and no Kabiyesi or Baale has the authority to allocate land to non-indigenes without due process.
Abiodun stated that the government will no longer tolerate land-related irregularities that threaten peace and security, noting that the “law will be very swift” on anyone found culpable.
The Governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strong leadership as the nation’s economy stabilizes, despite what he described as “false narratives being promoted in some quarters.”
He further congratulated the President and security agencies on the progress made in rescuing kidnap victims in the Niger, Kwara and Kebbi states.
According to the governor, the state, which is the industrial capital of Nigeria and the gateway connecting the nation’s financial hub to the rest of the country, must remain proactive in safeguarding its stability.
“The best time to prepare for war is during peace,” he said, stressing that economic development cannot take place in an atmosphere of insecurity.
To this end, the government has directed mandatory documentation of all foreign nationals residing within the state as part of a broader security strengthening plan in the state.
The governor said the documentation exercise would follow established security protocols and immigration regulations.
He added that no individual entering or living in the state will be allowed to operate without proper identification.
“There cannot be meaningful economic development in an atmosphere of insecurity. This is why we have taken decisive steps to ensure full documentation of foreign nationals and strengthen engagement with all non-indigene communities.”
The governor also announced plans for a strategic meeting with leaders of non-indigene communities to deepen cooperation, enhance trust, and bolster overall security efforts across the state.
The governor further hinted that activities and operations of scavengers would now be strictly regulated to prevent criminal infiltration and misuse of the trade.
He further hinted at intensified operations across forests and government reserves, illegal mining crackdowns, and sanctions for landlords harbouring criminal elements.
Commending the President and security agencies for ongoing rescue efforts involving kidnap victims in Niger and Kwara states, Governor Abiodun reiterated that the best time to prepare for security threats is during peace, and assured residents of the government’s commitment to maintaining a safe and stable environment.
“Security is a shared responsibility, we urge citizens to provide timely information to law enforcement to enable quick and effective response.”
The governor emphasized that enhanced inter-agency cooperation and support for security operatives, including local hunters, will continue as part of the state’s modernized security architecture.
“All foreign nationals within the state must be properly documented in accordance with security protocols and immigration regulations.
“The ZAGA settlement is to be dismantled and taken over by the government to prevent its continued use for unlawful activities.
“Landlords and individuals found to be accommodating miscreants or criminal elements will be decisively dealt with in line with the law.
“A strategic meeting will be convened with the non-indigene communities to strengthen mutual understanding and enhance security cooperation.
“The establishment of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) around Ilara, a key border community in Yewa North, will be prioritised to tighten border security.
“Activities of scavengers across the State will be strictly regulated to curb criminal infiltration and illicit practices.
“Security agencies will intensify operations to flush out criminal hideouts within forests and government reserves.
“All illegal mining activities will be confronted decisively, with perpetrators apprehended and prosecuted.
“The settlement in Ajebo is currently under investigation, and necessary actions will be taken upon the conclusion of the interrogation.”
