The government of Oyo State has pledged to stop the spread of illegal migration, light weapons, and firearms within the state. The government stated that it would provide rewards to civilians and security forces who assist in catching illicit gun and ammo smugglers.
Security forces and people who assist the government in nabbing illegal guns and ammunition smugglers, human and child traffickers, and other criminals operating via its border towns will be rewarded, the government said.
Segun Adegoke, a retired assistant comptroller general of immigration (ACG) and special adviser on homeland security to Oyo State Governor, described the government’s efforts while leading a group of security officers from the Department of State Security (DSS), Police, Immigration, Customs, and NSCDC on a sensitization tour of the state’s border towns throughout Oyo State.
He insisted that the visit was ordered by the governor to update border community inhabitants on government efforts to stop the spread of ammunition and small guns in the state.
Adegoke stated that the security report, which followed the interception of some trucks carrying illegal immigrants, weapons, and ammunition in the state, as well as the claim of cooperation between some locals and the traffickers/smugglers, served as the basis for the governor’s mandate.
Some of the communities visited included Iwere-Ile in Iwajowa Local Government, Saki West Local Government, Iseyin Local Government, and Ibarapa North Local Government.
The Special Adviser and the security team met with local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and border patrol security personnel.
Adegoke said during interactive sessions with residents of the different local governments he visited that Nigeria was in a precarious state of insecurity, conflict, destruction, and intercommunal conflicts due to the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, which had killed people and left others homeless.
He said, “The purpose of the visit is to sensitise and educate the people and relevant security stakeholders within the border towns on the dangers of possession of illegal arms, light weapons and migration of irregular foreigners, as they affect security of lives and property in the state.
“The proliferation of small arms and light weapons is part of organised crimes and adjudged as the major security challenge to people, societies, and states worldwide, fuelling civil wars, insurgency, organised criminal violence, human trafficking and drugs, armed robbery, abduction, and kidnapping.
“Based on the existential experience in some parts of our country, the influx of illegal immigrants has the potential of being a threat to our collective security and socio-economic development.
“We cannot continue to turn a blind eye to these issues, and it is our collective responsibility to take measures to stem the tide. As leaders, we must work together to address these challenges and ensure the safety and well-being of our people.”
Adegoke sought the cooperation of security stakeholders to fortify the borders and enhance surveillance in order to stop the illegal importation of weapons, citing the expansion of the border areas, poor law enforcement, and insufficient border control as some of the factors causing the proliferation of small arms.
He added: “To our youths, I wish to reiterate that you play a crucial role in addressing these issues, as you are the eyes and ears of your communities to report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.
“I also urge the traditional rulers and community leaders present here today to use your influence to discourage the possession and use of illegal arms in your communities.”
In their individual remarks, the traditional leaders and local government chairmen promised to step up efforts to protect the state’s border towns from illegal immigration and weapons.
Adegoke also urged the border patrol security agencies to carry out their responsibilities with professionalism, promising them awards for exceptional personnel who catch illicit ammunition offenders.
To lower the demand for guns and stop the flow of illegal firearms, light weapons, and immigrants, he emphasized more efforts should be made to foster a culture of peace and togetherness within the communities.
