Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Monday announced a strengthened security plan to protect lives and property in the state, following an increase in banditry, terrorism, and other criminal activities in parts of the country.
Speaking to journalists in Iperu after a security meeting, the governor said the government would begin documenting all undocumented foreign nationals working with multinational companies in the state, while new non-indigenes would undergo proper screening by community leaders.
“The law enforcement agencies have arrested, within the last three to four days, about 70 persons from Chad and Sudan who cannot even speak English and cannot explain what they are doing here. We are going to process these individuals with the Nigeria Immigration Service,” Abiodun stated. He urged non-indigene communities to be vigilant, ensuring authorities know who is in the state and why.
The governor also raised concerns about scavengers, scrap dealers, and illegal miners, noting their potential involvement in criminal activities. He directed security agencies to clear enclaves such as Zanga in Ijebu-Ode, secure forest reserves, and monitor mining sites.
He warned that properties used for criminal purposes would be seized, and that traditional rulers who allocate government land to strangers would be held accountable.
Abiodun appealed to residents to support community policing by reporting suspicious activities. “Security is not the responsibility of security agents alone. We must work with them. We must report anything suspicious so law enforcement can respond promptly,” he emphasized.
The governor praised security agencies for their cooperation and synergy, attributing Ogun’s relative peace to their efforts, and commended President Bola Tinubu for stabilizing the economy and supporting the rescue of kidnapped victims in Niger and Kwara states.
