OSOGBO, OSUN STATE — The Osun State Government has approved the establishment of a Joint Security Task Force to strengthen security operations and improve the state’s response to emerging threats to lives and property.


The decision was reached at a meeting of the Osun State Security Council convened by Governor Ademola Adeleke and presided over by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi. The meeting was attended by the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Mr Ibrahim Zungura, alongside other heads of security agencies in the state.


The government said it would provide the necessary logistics to facilitate the effective take-off and operation of the task force as part of efforts to protect residents across the state.


While opening the meeting, Adewusi conveyed Governor Adeleke’s goodwill to the security commanders and commended them for their efforts in addressing recent security challenges.


He urged the commanders to remain vigilant and intensify their efforts in response to fresh security threats.


The Deputy Governor, accompanied by the Attorney-General of the state, Hon. Wole Jimi-Bada; Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina; and Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr Samuel Ojo, reiterated the administration’s commitment to strengthening security agencies operating in the state.


He also called on traditional rulers to sustain their roles in local security oversight and community-level intelligence gathering.


Government urges vigilance, intelligence sharing


The Security Council also sought to reassure residents that the state remains safe and secure, while urging members of the public to remain vigilant.


Residents were particularly advised to strengthen security arrangements around churches, mosques, schools and other public places that could require additional security attention.


The council also appealed to residents to promptly share credible intelligence with security agencies to help prevent potential attacks by suspected terrorists and bandits.


The Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies were directed to maintain a 24-hour state of alert as part of measures to respond swiftly to emerging threats.


Police, DSS, Justice Ministry to collaborate on prosecution


The meeting further produced an agreement among the Osun State Ministry of Justice, the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to collaborate in ensuring that suspects arrested in connection with security-related offences are properly investigated and prosecuted without unnecessary delays.


The council also commended Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Zungura for the policing reforms introduced since his assumption of office and for personally attending the security council meeting.


The government reiterated its commitment to working with security agencies and other stakeholders to safeguard lives and property across Osun State.


The move also builds on an earlier Osun Security Council decision to strengthen inter-agency intelligence sharing and establish a rapid-response joint security task force.