Ibadan, June 4, 2026 – The Oyo State House of Assembly has urged the strengthening of security surveillance systems and the strategic positioning of patrol vehicles across the state to enhance public safety and improve response to criminal activities.
Lawmakers said the move is aimed at deterring crime, improving intelligence gathering, and ensuring faster response to security emergencies.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the lawmaker representing Ibadan North-West Constituency, Mr Dawood Olalere.
Olalere stressed that security remains a fundamental responsibility of government and a key driver of economic growth, social stability, and public welfare.
He commended Governor Seyi Makinde for supporting security agencies with patrol vehicles and for the recent deployment of surveillance aircraft to boost aerial monitoring and intelligence operations in the state.
Despite these interventions, he noted that cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, and other violent crimes continue to be recorded in some parts of the state.
He referenced incidents such as the abduction of passengers along the Igbeti–Kishi Road in Irepo Local Government Area, rescue operations around Ilora in Afijio Local Government Area, and the killing of forest guards at the National Park Service in Oloka, Oriire Local Government Area.
He also mentioned the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area as part of ongoing security concerns.
Olalere acknowledged the efforts of security agencies, including arrests of suspects and interception of illegal arms and ammunition, but expressed concern over the persistence of criminal activities.
He said many crimes occur during late-night and early-morning hours when patrol presence is often limited.
According to him, strategically placing patrol vehicles at key locations such as highways, market areas, transport hubs, and entry and exit points of communities would help deter criminal activities and improve emergency response.
Another lawmaker, Mr Abiodun Babalola (Ibadan North-East I), called for a review of patrol vehicles previously distributed to security agencies to assess their condition and operational effectiveness.
He also advocated stronger collaboration between Oyo State and neighbouring states to address cross-border criminal activities.
Similarly, Mrs Olufunke Comforter (Ibadan North I) expressed concern over the worsening security situation nationwide and urged the Federal Government to accelerate the process of constitutional amendment to enable the creation of state police, which she said would strengthen grassroots security.
The House further called on the Executive Arm of Government, through the Office of the Executive Assistant on Security, to deepen collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to ensure effective deployment of patrol vehicles across strategic locations in all zones of the state.
Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, also urged the Ministry of Information and Orientation to intensify public awareness campaigns, encouraging residents to report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.