States in the South-West have stepped up border security following a surge in terrorist attacks and killings in neighbouring Kwara State, sparking fears of infiltration by fleeing bandits.
Security chiefs in Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo confirmed on Thursday that containment strategies had been activated to prevent criminals from slipping into their territories as military operations intensify in Kwara.
Government sources revealed that intelligence reports indicate mass movements of terrorists from Kwara forests toward the South-West, prompting urgent action at the highest levels of security coordination.
Kwara in recent weeks has come under heavy assault, with bandits launching deadly raids on communities in Ifelodun, Edu, Patigi, and Oke-Ode, killing vigilantes, traditional rulers, and civilians. The attacks have displaced thousands, forcing many to flee to Ilorin and surrounding towns.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who visited Oke-Ode this week, commiserated with grieving families and called for stronger military deployments. The Nigerian Air Force has since scrambled fighter jets to support ground troops in flushing out the attackers.
In Oyo, Amotekun Corps Commander Col. Olayinka Olayanju (retd.) assured residents of tight security, while the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, pledged support to Kwara in quelling the violence.
In Osun, Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotam deployed seven tactical teams to border towns, while Ondo and Ekiti have strengthened manpower, mounted checkpoints, and launched joint patrols with the military to block possible incursions.
Ekiti Security Adviser Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (retd.) described the operation as “coordinated,” involving simultaneous monitoring by Kwara, Oyo, Osun, and Ekiti forces. “We don’t want them to infiltrate the South-West. Ekiti will not be a safe place for them,” he vowed.
Amid the coordinated response, residents in border communities have been urged to remain vigilant and promptly report strange movements to security agencies.
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