Security operatives from Oyo, Ogun, Lagos and Osun states have pledged stronger joint action to secure highways, border communities and major transit corridors across the South-West as the festive season approaches.
Speaking after the fifth annual Joint Security Stakeholders’ Meeting held on Friday at McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, security advisers from the four states assured residents and travellers, especially those returning from abroad for the holidays, of enhanced patrols, improved collaboration, and a more robust security architecture.
The meeting, originally convened by Oyo and Ogun states, expanded this year to include Lagos and Osun in what officials described as a strategic move to tighten collective response to cross-border crimes.
Oyo State Governor’s Special Adviser on Security, CP Fatai Owoseni (rtd), said the forum reviewed last year’s strategies, identified operational gaps and agreed on fresh measures to ensure a “crime-free yuletide.”
“This edition is significant because four states are now working as a team. We know many of our people in the Diaspora are returning home. We want them and all residents to feel completely safe. The resolutions taken here today are aimed at guaranteeing that”, Owoseni said.
He expressed appreciation to McPherson University for hosting the meeting for the first time, noting that the forum had previously rotated within Oyo State.
Also speaking, Ogun State’s Special Adviser on Security, AIG Olusola Subair (rtd), said the states examined vulnerabilities along the Lagos, Ibadan Expressway, adjoining feeder routes and other high-traffic areas.
He added that the gathering focused on coordinated deployments, improved welfare for security personnel, and clearer, actionable responses to potential threats.
Subair emphasised that Oyo and Ogun states have continued to jointly monitor security operations, support agencies with logistics and maintain closer supervision of patrol teams.
The meeting also deliberated on the South-West Security Trust Fund proposed by the six governors of the region last week in Ibadan, a development participants described as a timely boost to collective security capability.
Vice-Chancellor of McPherson University, Prof. Francis Igbasan, commended the states for elevating regional security coordination.
He noted that the forum would enhance intelligence sharing, strengthen joint patrols, and establish unified protocols to deter criminal activities along shared borders.
Top security officials from the four states attended the meeting, including ACG Segun Adegoke (rtd), Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Migration and Homeland Security; Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, Special Adviser on Security to the Lagos State Governor; and Barr. Ojo Samuel, Security Adviser to the Osun State Governor, among others.
The stakeholders urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities before, during and after the festive season.
