Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has revealed plans to establish a state security force to tackle insecurity in the state.
The new security outfit will be drawn from local communities and will be trained, supported, and allied with security forces to strengthen defense mechanisms against unique threats facing the state.
According to Governor AbdulRazaq, the state is exploring the possibility of having its own civilian task force to complement existing security efforts. Members of the planned security outfit will be recruited from local communities, trained, and equipped to work with other allied security agencies. The new task force will work closely with conventional security forces, although details of its operation are still being finalized.
The decision to establish a state security force follows a recent deadly raid in Oke Ode, where at least 15 people were killed, prompting the governor to hold an emergency security meeting with stakeholders. Governor AbdulRazaq emphasized his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, saying, “We will fight insecurity with every resource at our disposal. Kwara will not be a hiding place for criminals.”
In addition to the state security force, the governor has approved the recruitment of 2,600 additional forest guards to combat security challenges in Kwara North and South. These new recruits will join the 700 forest guards already engaged, who are working alongside security agencies to combat banditry and restore peace in affected communities.
The governor’s efforts to address insecurity in Kwara State are part of a broader strategy that includes military deployment, grassroots mobilization, and community policing. Governor AbdulRazaq has also been engaging with stakeholders, including traditional rulers and community leaders, to support intelligence gathering and community policing.
The establishment of a state security force is seen as a bold move to tackle insecurity in Kwara State. With the new security outfit, the state is expected to have a more effective response to security challenges, and the people of Kwara State can look forward to a safer and more secure environment.