Ekiti State Launches Major Security Operation to Combat Criminal Threats
In a decisive move to bolster public safety, security agencies in Ekiti State have officially launched a comprehensive joint operation named "Operation Comb the Bush." This initiative, which commenced on Monday, aims to proactively address and prevent criminal activities across the state, particularly in response to escalating security concerns in neighboring regions.
Intelligence-Driven Response to Regional Insecurity
The operation was initiated following critical intelligence reports indicating that intensified security offensives against criminal elements in Kwara, Kogi, Ondo, and Osun states, as well as parts of northern Nigeria, could potentially displace these groups into the Southwest. Mr. Falade Adegoroye, the Commissioner of Police for Ekiti State Command, emphasized that this pressure might force criminals to seek refuge in Ekiti, thereby posing significant threats to local communities. He described the launch as a proactive measure essential for safeguarding lives and property before any escalation occurs.
Coordinated Efforts and Strategic Objectives
"Operation Comb the Bush" involves a coordinated effort among multiple security agencies, including:
- The Military
- Police Force
- NSCDC (Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps)
- Directorate of State Security
- Amotekun Corps
During a briefing at the Police Headquarters in Ado Ekiti, Commissioner Adegoroye outlined the operation's key components, which include:
- Bush combing to clear criminal hideouts
- Visibility policing to deter illegal activities
- Raids on identified flashpoints, especially in border communities
The operation is designed to prevent a range of crimes, such as kidnapping, cattle rustling, vandalism, and attacks on public infrastructure and worship centers. Additionally, it aims to protect farmers who are returning to their farms with the onset of the rainy season, ensuring a secure environment for agricultural activities by denying criminals access to forests and rural settlements.
Leadership and Community Support
Commissioner Adegoroye commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his unwavering commitment to security, highlighting the governor's consistent provision of logistical support and an enabling environment for security agencies. He charged officers to exhibit discipline, professionalism, and respect for human rights, assuring residents that the operation would be conducted responsibly in line with global best practices.
In his remarks, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (Rtd), the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, reinforced that "Operation Comb the Bush" reflects Governor Oyebanji's foresight in addressing emerging threats preemptively. He noted that the state government has continued to invest in intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, and logistics to ensure criminal elements do not find safe haven in Ekiti. Gen. Ogundana urged citizens to support security agencies by providing credible information, emphasizing the administration's resolve to maintain a safe, secure, and conducive environment for economic activities and peaceful coexistence.
This operation underscores Ekiti State's strategic approach to regional security challenges, aiming to sustain peace and prevent the infiltration of criminal networks from adjacent areas.
