Governor Makinde Laments Rising Banditry Operations In Southwest, Hails Army Over New Formations In Oyo
Oyo State Governor, engineer Seyi Makinde has raised the alarm over increasing banditry operations in parts of the Southwest, particularly around areas bordering Oyo State, stressing the urgent need for security agencies to work together and take proactive measures to prevent criminal elements from gaining a foothold in the region.
Makinde, represented by his Deputy, Bayo Lawal, raised the concern at a sensitization programme for indigenes and stakeholders on the ongoing 92 Regular Recruits Intake for Trades and Non-Tradesmen and Women, held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan.
He said the recent security challenges made the recruitment sensitization timely, urging the military, police and other security agencies to strengthen intelligence sharing, surveillance and joint operations across the Southwest.
The governor, while lamenting the emerging security threats around the state and its borders, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army and the Chief of Army Staff for approving four additional Army formations for Oyo State.
He listed the formations as a brigade and battalion in Oyo Town, an infantry battalion in Kishi, an artillery regiment battalion in Iseyin and another battalion in Oriire, saying their establishment would strengthen local security and enhance the Army’s capacity to respond to threats.
In his remarks, Team Lead of the 92 Regular Recruits Intake, Brigadier General Olusegun Okungbure, said the recruitment exercise began on September 9 and would end on October 21, 2026.
Okungbure urged youths across the 33 local government areas of Oyo State to regard enlistment as a noble call to national service rather than merely an avenue for employment.
The exercise followed an earlier recruitment drive prompted by low turnout from Oyo State as applications from the state fell short of its allotted quota of successful candidates.
Governor Makinde Laments Rising Banditry Operations In Southwest, Hails Army Over New Formations In Oyo
Byadmin
Oct 8, 2026