THE Oyo State Government has committed to tackling the spread of illegal arms, light weapons, and unauthorized migration within the state.
Officials indicated that they would reward security personnel and citizens who assist in efforts to apprehend smugglers of illegal arms and ammunition, as well as those involved in human and child trafficking and other illegal activities at the borders.
Segun Adegoke, the Special Adviser on Homeland Security to the Oyo State Governor and a retired Assistant Comptroller General of Immigration, outlined the government’s initiatives during a sensitization visit to border towns across Oyo State with a team of security officers from the Department of State Security (DSS), Police, Immigration, Customs, and the NSCDC.
Adegoke emphasized that the governor had initiated this visit to inform residents of border communities about the measures being implemented to combat the proliferation of small arms and ammunition in the state.
He explained that the governor’s directive was prompted by security reports indicating the interception of trucks loaded with arms, ammunition, and illegal immigrants, along with allegations of collusion between some residents and smugglers or traffickers.
Communities visited included Iwere-Ile in Iwajowa Local Government, Saki West, Iseyin, and Ibarapa North Local Governments.
During meetings with local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and border patrol security personnel, Adegoke highlighted that the spread of small arms and light weapons has left Nigeria vulnerable to insecurity, conflict, destruction, and communal clashes, leading to loss of life and displacement.
He stated, “The purpose of this visit is to educate and inform the people and relevant security stakeholders in border towns about the dangers of possessing illegal arms, light weapons, and the irregular migration of foreigners, which threaten the security of lives and property in the state.
“The proliferation of small arms and light weapons is a form of organized crime and is recognized as a major security challenge globally, contributing to civil wars, insurgency, organized violence, human trafficking, drug-related crimes, armed robbery, abduction, and kidnapping.
“This issue poses significant challenges to security and sustainable development in our country.
“Given the experiences in some regions, the influx of illegal immigrants can threaten our collective security and socio-economic progress.
“We cannot ignore these problems any longer; it is our shared responsibility to take action. As leaders, we must collaborate to address these challenges and ensure the safety and well-being of our communities.”
Adegoke identified inadequate border control, weak law enforcement, and the vastness of border areas as factors contributing to the spread of small arms. He called for cooperation among relevant security stakeholders to strengthen border security and enhance surveillance to prevent the illegal importation of arms.
He urged the youth to play a crucial role in addressing these issues, encouraging them to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
Adegoke also called on traditional rulers and community leaders to leverage their influence in discouraging the possession and use of illegal arms within their communities.
In their remarks, local government chairmen and traditional rulers pledged to enhance efforts to secure the state’s border towns against illegal arms and immigrants.
Adegoke also urged border patrol security agencies to carry out their duties with professionalism, assuring them that outstanding officers who apprehend perpetrators of illegal arms trafficking would be rewarded.
He concluded by emphasizing the need to foster a culture of peace and unity in communities, which would help reduce the demand for arms and curb the influx of illegal weapons and immigration.
