Osun

Adeleke Decries Rising Security Threat, Demands Military Checkpoints As He Hosts COAS in Osogbo

ByHafsoh Isiaq

PublishedJune 27, 2026

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has raised concerns over emerging security threats in the state, calling on the Nigerian Army to establish military checkpoints along strategic routes to curb the influx of illegal arms, suspected bandits and kidnappers.

The governor made the appeal while receiving the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Osogbo and at the Passing Out Parade of the 90 Regular Recruits of the Nigerian Army.

In a press statement by signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed on Saturday,
Adeleke commended the Nigerian military for its sacrifices in defending the country against insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges, describing the Armed Forces as critical to Nigeria’s unity and survival.

He said the Nigerian Army had continued to distinguish itself through its courage, resilience and commitment to protecting the nation’s territorial integrity.

“Your contributions, alongside those of the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies, remain indispensable to Nigeria’s peace, stability and national survival,” the governor said.

While noting that Osun has remained one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states, Adeleke warned that recent developments now threaten the state’s long-standing record of peaceful coexistence.

He alleged that the state had witnessed targeted attacks and killings of members of the Accord Party by armed political thugs allegedly linked to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the violence as alien to the culture and traditions of the state.

The governor recalled that he recently received a delegation from the Inspector General of Police, led by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the South-West, who conveyed directives for strict enforcement of law and order to curb political violence in Osun.

According to him, his administration expects concrete actions that will restore public confidence in the state’s security architecture.

According to the governor, “Permit me to respectfully draw your attention to three emerging security threats confronting our State: The first is the increasing influx and proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition into Osun State. This poses a grave threat to public safety and has the potential to escalate criminal activities if left unchecked.

“Secondly, credible intelligence available to our Government indicates the influx of suspected bandits into parts of Osun East Senatorial District under the guise of mining activities. This disturbing development raises serious security concerns that require proactive military attention before they evolve into a more dangerous challenge.

“Thirdly, Osun State shares boundaries with both Oyo and Kwara States where kidnapping has become a major security challenge. The activities of kidnappers in these neighbouring states are gradually spilling into some of our border communities, making it imperative for us to strengthen security”, the statement quoted.

To address the challenges, the governor urged the Nigerian Army to establish permanent military checkpoints along key entry and exit routes, including Ila–Ikirun Road, Ikirun–Kwara Border Road, Gbongan–Osogbo Road, Iwo–Osogbo Road, Ijebu-Jesa–Ekiti Road, Ife–Sekona Road, Ogbomoso–Ejigbo Road and Ilesa–Osogbo Road.

Responding, the Chief of Army Staff commended the cordial relationship between the Nigerian Army and the Osun State Government, assuring the governor of continued collaboration in safeguarding lives and property.

He reiterated the Army’s commitment to sustaining ongoing operations against bandits and insurgents across the country, adding that training institutions had been adequately strengthened to ensure newly recruited soldiers are properly equipped and prepared for their responsibilities.

Hafsoh Isiaq

Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.