Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has disclosed that his administration is working with the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to procure modern surveillance equipment aimed at strengthening the security architecture of the state.
Abiodun made this known while hosting the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, the Brigade Commander of the 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta, Brigadier General Godwin Nwaba, and other service chiefs, during a courtesy visit to his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
According to the governor, the collaboration with the NSA is geared towards identifying and deploying suitable technology that will provide visibility across different parts of the state, enabling swift responses to any security threat.
“We are working towards identifying suitable surveillance technology that will allow us to have visibility and a view of different areas of our state so that when there is an emergency, we can adequately respond,” Abiodun said.
“The office of the NSA has been working with us in that direction. We’ve been trying to identify suitable technology so we can deploy it. Very soon, I am sure we are going to decide on that, and it will be procured and deployed to complement your activities,” he added.
While noting that Ogun remains one of the most peaceful states in the country, the governor stressed the need for continuous vigilance as the state faces constant security threats.
He also highlighted the strategic location of the state, bordered by international boundaries and being Nigeria’s industrial, religious, educational, and tourism hub, which increases its security demands.
“When Ogun is peaceful, and when Ogun is prosperous, the entire country is peaceful and prosperous because we are not just the industrial capital of Nigeria; we are also the religious capital, which draws a lot of people to our state,” the governor stated.
Abiodun attributed the peaceful atmosphere in the state to the effective collaboration among security agencies and expressed appreciation for their roles in ensuring the successful hosting of the recently concluded National Sports Festival.
Speaking earlier, AIG Fayoade acknowledged the state’s strategic importance and revealed that the Ogun and Lagos Police Commands are working together to tackle crimes, especially along the border areas.
Also, Brigadier General Nwaba of the 35 Artillery Brigade assured that his command has intensified patrols in identified hotspots across the state to ensure peace and safety.
Other security chiefs, including officials from the NDLEA, Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, and Federal Fire Service, commended the state government for its support and appealed for more assistance, particularly in the area of mobility, while pledging their continued commitment to a peaceful Ogun State.