Kidnapping, banditry: Ogun Govt. takes delivery of drones soon

As part of strategic plan to enhance security and assist security agencies in monitoring identified black spots in the state, Ogun Government is to take delivery of drones soon, the first by any state in the Southwest.

Gov. Dapo Abiodun announced this at the launch of the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem in Abeokuta on Friday.

He said the drones would be deployed particularly on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to combat kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery and other forms of criminalities on the highways and across the state.

Restating that his administration would continue to support security agencies in the state, Abiodun said plans were under way to partner with top security personnel to train, support its personnel and assist in fundraising.

“We will soon be taking delivery of our drones that we have ordered, this will allow us to monitor the length and breadth of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and all those areas where people engage in nefarious activities.

“We will continue to find those that will collaborate with us. I recently met with two people who are highly placed in law enforcement and have decided that they are going to come and work with us by assisting with training, support and fund raising.

“I will unveil these people in the next couple of weeks and introduce them to you,” the governor said.

On the welfare of widows and family members of fallen soldiers, Abiodun donated N10 million to the Nigeria Legion in the state on behalf of the government and charged legionaries to continue to discharge their duties.

The governor urged Nigerians to see the remembrance of the country’s fallen heroes as an opportunity to appreciate their sacrifices by looking after the welfare of their widows and immediate family members.

“They should not be left alone to weather the storm of loneliness.”

Abiodun congratulated the Brigade Commander of the 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala and his counterpart at the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Isa Abdullahi and Mrs Archie- Abia Ibinabo, on their promotion to the rank of Major General in the Nigerian Army and Assistant Controller General of the NDLEA, respectively.

He further commended the duo for discharging their duties very responsibly and meritoriously.

In his remarks, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Legion, retired Master Warrant Officer Olumuyiwa Orukotan, commended Governor Abiodun for being a pillar of support to the Legion in the state.

He lauded him for empowering over 120 widows in the last two years.

Orukotan disclosed that the Legion has directed chairmen and legionnaires to urge parents and guardians to prevail on their children and wards to steer clear of crimes, criminalities and violence as the 2023 general election draws closer.