By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ondo State Command, has intensified its community based security initiatives through sustained engagement with traditional institutions and other critical stakeholders across the state.

As part of efforts to deepen community participation in crime prevention and strengthen peace advocacy, the State Commandant, Commandant Oluyemi Joshua Ibiloye, JP, paid a working visit to the palace of the Olu Abo of Ilu Abo in Akure North Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Oba Samuel Oluyemisi Falae,

During the engagement, Commandant Ibiloye briefed the traditional ruler on the security situation in Akure North and the concerted efforts by security agencies to tackle kidnapping and other emerging threats in the area. He also highlighted the successes being recorded through the collaborative operations of the Joint Task Force.

The Commandant stressed the need for sustained vigilance and stronger cooperation between residents and security agencies. He urged members of the community to promptly report suspicious persons, movements and activities, noting that timely and credible information remains critical to preventing crime, disrupting criminal networks and protecting lives and property.

Ibiloye further emphasised that community security is a collective responsibility, warning that external threats could be facilitated by internal collaborators. He therefore called on residents to remain security conscious and resist any attempt by criminals to exploit the community for their activities.

Responding, the Olu Abo of Ilu Abo, Oba Samuel Oluyemisi Falae, CFR, expressed appreciation to the NSCDC Commandant for the visit and commended security agencies for their efforts to maintain peace and protect residents in the community. The monarch assured the Commandant of the continued support and cooperation of the traditional institution and the people of Ilu Abo.

The monarch pledged that the community would not harbour, protect or provide support for criminals, informants working against security agencies or strangers whose activities could pose a threat to public safety. He also assured the NSCDC and other security agencies of the community’s readiness to provide relevant information and other necessary assistance to strengthen security. The engagement further demonstrated the Ondo State Command’s commitment to harnessing traditional institutions and community stakeholders as vital partners in its non kinetic approach to crime prevention, peace building and sustainable security across the state.