Residents and travelers across four South-West states have received strong assurances of enhanced security measures during the upcoming Christmas season and beyond. The joint security stakeholders from Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, and Osun states have pledged comprehensive protection for lives and properties throughout the festive period.
Expanded Security Collaboration
The security commitment was formally announced on Friday, November 28, 2025, following the fifth edition of the annual security stakeholders' meeting held at McPherson University in Seriki Sotayo, Ogun State. This year's meeting marked a significant expansion with Lagos and Osun states joining the previously established Oyo-Ogun security partnership.
High-profile security officials from all four states attended the crucial meeting, including Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Migration and Homeland Security, ACG Segun Adegoke (rtd), and Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, Security Adviser to the Lagos State Governor. Also present were representatives from Osun State led by Barr Ojo Samuel, demonstrating the unified approach to regional security.
Proactive Security Measures
According to CP Fatai Owoseni (rtd), Special Adviser on Security to the Oyo State Governor, and his Ogun State counterpart, AIG Olusola Subair (rtd), the meeting served multiple critical purposes. The committee reviewed last year's security architecture, harmonized activities across state lines, and developed new strategies to strengthen existing security measures.
"This is a follow-up meeting to the one we held last year. We usually hold this meeting annually," explained CP Owoseni. "But this one is special in the sense that we have Lagos and Osun states joining us today. So we have four states gathered here to discuss how to secure our different states."
The security chiefs emphasized that their coordinated efforts would ensure a safe environment for both residents and the expected influx of diaspora Nigerians returning home for the Christmas celebrations.
Comprehensive Security Strategy
The joint security committee addressed several key areas during their deliberations. They examined vulnerabilities along major expressways and feeder routes, agreeing on coordinated actions and security measures specifically designed for the yuletide season.
AIG Olusola Subair (rtd), in his welcome address, highlighted that Oyo and Ogun states have consistently strengthened security agencies through close supervision of deployments and support for personnel welfare. The meeting also discussed the management of the South-West Security Trust Fund, recently announced by the six governors of the region during their meeting in Ibadan.
Professor Francis Igbasan, Vice-Chancellor of McPherson University, commended both states for prioritizing security matters. He noted that the meeting would help harmonize operational strategies, deepen intelligence sharing, strengthen joint patrols, and establish common protocols to combat criminal activities around state borders.
The security stakeholders made a firm promise to the public: "We want to assure the general public that with the outcome of this meeting, it is going to be a crime-free yuletide." However, they also urged residents to maintain security consciousness before, during, and after the festive season, emphasizing that public vigilance remains crucial to the success of security operations.
