In a renewed push to curb banditry and other criminal activities, the governments of Oyo, Ogun and Lagos states on Monday launched a joint security operation aimed at strengthening safety along major highways and urban centres across the Southwest.

The collaborative operation, designed to protect commuters, residents and businesses, focused particularly on high-risk corridors such as the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and adjoining routes linking the three states.

Tagged “Joint Show of Force,” the security awareness and enforcement exercise was organised by the police commands of the three states in collaboration with other security agencies. The operation commenced from the Lagos end of the expressway and terminated at Ojoo, Ibadan, underscoring a united and coordinated approach to crime prevention in the region.

Speaking after the exercise at the Oyo State Police Command headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan, the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security Matters, CP Fatai Owoseni (rtd), described the initiative as a timely and proactive response to emerging security threats.

“This call by the Southwest states for coordinated and proactive security measures is both timely and essential. Criminal elements thrive when security is reactive rather than anticipatory,” Owoseni said.

He noted that the joint operation signalled a clear message to criminal networks that insecurity would not be tolerated in any form, adding that intelligence sharing and inter-state collaboration were central to the strategy.

“By combining intelligence, patrols and surveillance across state boundaries, we are ensuring that crimes are disrupted before they are executed. This initiative goes beyond visibility; it is about prevention,” he said.

Owoseni further warned against the spread of false or misleading information on social media, stressing that individuals who deliberately incite panic would be identified and prosecuted.

“Falsehoods undermine public safety and threaten security efforts. Those who spread such misinformation will face the full weight of the law,” he stated.

He also called on residents to actively support security agencies by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities, describing security as a shared responsibility.

Also speaking, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Femi Haruna, cautioned religious organisations against holding programmes in isolated locations, noting that such gatherings could be vulnerable to attacks.

Haruna equally warned against the unauthorised use of fireworks, saying the practice could distract security personnel during critical operations.

“Our commitment remains the protection of lives and property. The police will continue to operate with diligence and professionalism,” he assured.

Representing the General Officer Commanding, 2nd Mechanised Division, Odogbo Cantonment, Major Adamu Ismaila described the exercise as historic, noting that it marked the first large-scale joint security show of force among Southwest states.

“Effective security requires collaboration among all agencies and the support of citizens. Prompt reporting of suspicious activities will enable swift and decisive action,” he said.

The operation showcased the deployment of modern surveillance tools, coordinated patrols and intelligence-driven policing to deter criminal activities along major highways and within urban centres.

Residents across the three states were urged to cooperate fully with security agencies and promptly report unusual movements or activities to enhance public safety. (Nigerian Tribune)