The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Command in Oyo has assured residents of its commitment to intensify efforts in tackling kidnapping and banditry in the state.
The NSCDC Commandant, Mr Augustine Padonu, gave the assurance on Thursday, when executives of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the state Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) paid him a courtesy visit in Ibadan.
The chapel‘s visit was to appreciate the command for its role in the rescue of victims abducted in Oriire Local Government Area (LGA).
Padonu said many kidnapping and banditry incidents around the Old Oyo National Park were allegedly perpetrated by foreign herders, who had settled in the forest for years, under the guise of engaging in mining activities.
He said the command had 78 Divisional offices and 11 Area commands across the state, as well as Specialised teams.
These, he said, included the Agro-Rangers and Anti-terrorism units deployed to rural areas, particularly farm settlements.
According to him, the command has increased the number of Agro-Ranger operational bases in Saki and Oyo from one to two in each area.
He added that some divisional offices had also been strengthened in response to the rising cases of kidnapping.
According to him, the measures aim to block routes used by kidnappers, prevent criminal activities, and protect lives and property.
“What we did recently, because of this issue of kidnapping, is to increase the Agro-Rangers settlement base.
“Like in Saki now, we have two bases, instead of one base and in Oyo, two bases.
“Then, we have increased some of the divisional areas to make sure that it closed most of the areas these elements are coming through,” he said.
Padonu also said additional Special Forces had been deployed from Abuja and were working with personnel of the command, to chase kidnappers and other criminal elements of the state.
“So, Oyo is like a red mark for kidnapping and banditry now,” he added.
The commandant stressed that tackling insecurity required collaboration among security agencies, community leaders, the government and journalists.
“We need to be proactive and collaborate to ensure we chase all these bad elements from Oyo State entirely,” he said.
Padonu commended journalists in the state for supporting efforts to publicise the activities of the NSCDC and other security agencies in protecting lives and property.
He, however, urged journalists to shun fake news and verify the authenticity of information before publication.
Earlier, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Mr Yinka Adeniran, commended the contributions of NSCDC personnel to security operations in the state, particularly their role in rescuing abducted victims in Oriire.
Adeniran said journalists who covered developments surrounding the incident witnessed the efforts of security personnel and considered it important to acknowledge their sacrifices.
He assured the command of the chapel’s continued support in enlightening the public about its activities.
Adeniran also informed the commandant of the chapel’s forthcoming ‘Press Week’, scheduled for November, during which it planned to present him with an award.
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