Stakeholders strategise on tackling security challenges in South West Zone

Stakeholders met in Ibadan on Tuesday at a security summit to harmonise strategies to tackle the security challenges in the South West Zone.

The summit organised by Development Agenda for Western Nigeria Commission (DAWN) was also attended by the six governors in the zone.

NAN also reports that the security summit entitled, “Stakeholders’ Security Summit: Focus on Western Nigeria, ’ featured several presentations from stakeholders.

Mr Leye Oyebade, the Assistant Inspector General for Zone 11, said that there was the need to embrace technology-driven policing to curtail crime in the country.

Oyebade, who said that the police were working round the clock to curtail crime in the zone, expressed optimism that the efforts would be successful.

“I am happy to inform you that we have been able to put criminals at bay. We have been able to arrest suspected armed robbers, kidnappers, burglars and ritualists.

“We have also been able to recover several stolen properties and large catchment of ammunition in the zone in spite of challenges,’’ he said.

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He called for an increase in the number of policing equipment, aerial surveillance equipment to monitor criminal activities from air space and the incorporation of Science Technology Innovations (STIs).

“All these equipment will complement our efforts in curtailing criminal activities on land, water and the air space,” he said.

Oyebade commended the South West governors for their support and DAWN Commission for convening the summit, saying it would foster a symbiotic relationship between the police and the public.

A professor of criminology, Femi Odekunle, said to achieve optimum security in the country, the average citizens must have an assurance of justice, fairness and equity in most of their relationship within the society.

“They must be stakeholders in the progress of society. They must have a general disposition to law-abidingness.

” There must be promotion and equitable opportunities as well as guaranteed availability of social security,’’ he said.

Odekunle also said there must be an informed and integrated crime prevention system irrespective of efforts evolved by security agencies.

Alhaji Muhammed Labar, the South West Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), commended DAWN Commission and the governors for convening the summit.

He said that the summit would offer an opportunity to deliberate on the insecurity across the country, particularly the South West Zone.

“We really have to work hand-in-hand with all stakeholders who want to contribute their quota to make sure we bring out the evildoers who have been indicting everyone.

” We must come together toward moving the country forward,’’ he said.

Earlier, Mr Seye Oyeleye, the Director-General of DAWN Commission, said there would be no investment in any region without security.

“I am glad that the turnout is huge and impressive. This shows the importance attached to the summit. We assure our people that this summit is not going to be a talk show.

“We brought everybody here to hear their views and collate, so as to recommend an implementable solution to the challenges of insecurity in the country, particularly western region,’’ he said.

He said that the region was the safest in the country and must remain so, adding that stakeholders would do everything within the ambit of the law to attract investment to the zone.

Oyeleye, who commanded the governors for their presence, said that every step needed to ensure the security of lives and properties in the region would be explored.

NAN reports that the event featured the presentation of an application, `Police-VGS,’ made by a Nigerian to tackle crime through quick response.