Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has urged the Nigerian Army to enhance collaboration with other security agencies in the state to bolster security and eradicate criminal elements.

The Governor made the call during a courtesy visit by the new Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Akure, Brigadier-General Justin Ifeanyi, to his office in Ado-Ekiti.

He emphasised that such cooperation and a strong military presence would complement the efforts of other security operatives already working in the state.

Oyebanji noted that the current synergy among security chiefs in the state had contributed significantly to maintaining Ekiti’s reputation as the most peaceful state in Nigeria.

He encouraged the newly posted Brigade Commander to uphold and expand the cooperation among the state’s security agencies, which has fostered effective intelligence sharing and successful joint operations.

The Governor further stated that although the state enjoys relative peace, isolated criminal activities persist.

He stressed the need for a unified approach to address these challenges and ensure the expulsion of criminal elements, thereby allowing citizens to live and work safely.

Reaffirming his government’s commitment to preserving the state’s status as the safest in the country, Governor Oyebanji assured the new Brigade Commander of his administration’s full support to ensure his success in the role.

“As a government, we are grateful to the Nigerian Army, your sacrifices, your gallantry in ensuring that we have a secured country; without your efforts, it would have been worse than this, we are extremely grateful for this. Like you said, this is not a strange terrain to you, you have been here before and I am happy you are the one they are bringing back here.

“One thing I can assure you is that you will have our support and total cooperation, and to also plead with you, Ekiti State has been adjudged to be the most peaceful state in the country, but we still have some criminal elements around. But the beauty of Ekiti’s situation is that there is a kind of synergy between all the security chiefs in the state; they work hand in hand, share intelligence, share information. I just plead with you to ensure that we deepen this cooperation between the Nigerian Army and other sister security agencies in the state,” the Governor said.

Earlier, Brigadier-General Ifeanyi,  remarked that the visit was intended to formally introduce himself to the Governor and reassure him that the Nigerian Army would intensify efforts to combat criminal activities and maintain peace across the state.

Also present at the meeting were Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo; Special Adviser on Security, Brigadier-General Ebenezer Ogundana (Rtd); Special Adviser (Media), Mr Yinka Oyebode; Garrison Commander, Col. Kyari Babakura; and Operation Officer, Ekiti State, Captain Daniel Yusuf.