By Odunayo Agboluaje
The Oyo State Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Michael Akintayo Adaralewa, on Thursday, gave a marching order all Divisional Officers in the state to deploy their personnel to strategic locations as well as ensure a visible and effective security presence throughout Oyo State.
In a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan, by the command’s Public Relations Officer,DSC Samuel Olubanjo Opebiyi, Adaralewa, said over 2500 personnel will be deployed to places such as markets, parks, highways, and other public places, to ensure effective visibility and patrol.
The security chief said December is synonymous with festivities and a heightened pursuit of financial gains often leading to increased insecurity.
The statement read in parts: ‘’In a bid to stay ahead of potential security threats, the NSCDC, Oyo State Command is intensifying its focus on actionable intelligence gathering. This involves the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of relevant information to identify and neutralize potential security risks before they materialize. The State Command recognizes that timely and accurate intelligence is pivotal in formulating effective security strategies. By staying proactive in intelligence gathering, the Command aims to identify and address potential threats, contributing significantly to the overall safety and security of the state during the festive season.
‘’Recognizing the critical role that infrastructure plays in the stability and development of the state, NSCDC, Oyo State Command is placing a heightened focus on the protection of vital assets. Key infrastructures such as power facilities, transportation networks, communication networks and other public assets will receive increased security measures. By securing these infrastructures, the Command seeks to guarantee the continued functionality of essential services, contributing to a stable and secure environment throughout the festive season.
‘’The command is taking this proactive action to safeguard public spaces, maintain peace and order and attend to emergencies and reinforcing its commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for residents and visitors in Oyo State.
‘’ Under the proactive leadership of the State Commandant, Dr. Michael Akintayo Adaralewa, the State Command has implemented a series of robust measures to enhance security across the state. These measures are aimed at safeguarding the lives and properties of the people during the Yuletide period’
‘’The State Commandant, Dr. Michael Akintayo Adaralewa has deployed the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) to key areas across the state. These highly trained personnel are equipped with the necessary skills and expertise to detect and respond effectively to potential terrorist threats. The deployment of the Counter Terrorism Unit underscores the commitment to preemptive measures against any form of extremist threats, augmenting the overall security framework of the state during the festive period’’.
He added: ”To complement these efforts, the State Command will conduct an aggressive public awareness campaign on security this December, utilizing available means including social media platforms. This campaign aims to educate and empower the public to actively participate in maintaining security and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest security personnel. The NSCDC, Oyo State Command believes that the collective efforts of the community are essential in achieving a secure environment for all”
The NSCDC boss urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant, promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest security personnel, and cooperate fully with security agencies