The Osun State Government has approved the establishment of a Joint Security Task Force (JTF) to strengthen security operations following recent security alerts in the state.
The decision was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday in Osogbo by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi.
Alimi said the state government would provide the necessary logistics to ensure the effective take-off of the JTF and strengthen the protection of lives and property across the state.
The decision was reached at a State Security Council meeting presided over by the Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, and attended by the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura.
Adewusi commended security agencies for their efforts in maintaining peace across the state and urged them to remain vigilant in the face of emerging threats.
He said Governor Ademola Adeleke remained committed to further supporting security agencies, while urging traditional rulers to sustain their roles in local security monitoring.
The council also assured residents that Osun remained safe, while urging them to remain vigilant, particularly around churches, mosques and schools.
It called on residents and other stakeholders to strengthen security measures around their premises and provide security agencies with timely information that could help prevent attacks by suspected terrorists and bandits.
The Nigeria Police and other security agencies were directed to maintain 24-hour alertness in response to the reported threats.
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The meeting also resolved that the Ministry of Justice, the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) should collaborate to ensure the prompt investigation and prosecution of criminal suspects.
The statement added that the DSS had separately met with Muslim and Christian leaders in Osogbo on September 9, urging them to adopt preventive security measures against possible attacks.
The development followed an intelligence report alleging plans by terrorists to spread insecurity to parts of southern Nigeria, particularly the South-West, and create tension ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
