society
Ogun declares war on kidnappers, Yahoo boys
Ogun declares war on kidnappers, Yahoo boys
…to set up financial crimes agency
The Ogun State government has declared war on kidnappers and fraudsters popularly referred to as Yahoo boys.
According to the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Ogun State Government will soon set up its own financial crimes agency to deal with internet frauds and illegal financial transactions, especially, those having to do with kidnapping, ransom taking and advance fee frauds.
The governor also disclosed that it is working with federal agencies and its Oyo State counterpart in the area of security along the border lines.
Prince Dapo Abiodun made these disclosures at the Arcade Ground, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta during the launch of the state joint security outfit, code-named OP-MESA on Friday.
He said that his administration would not fold its arms and allow the state to be known for the wrong reasons.
“We will make Ogun State inhabitable for all criminals. The other day, I was in a meeting in Abuja and in attendance was the Chairman of EFCC, and sadly, he said to me that Ogun State tops the list on the ‘Yahoo Yahoo Boys’. In my response, I said I am not surprised because Ogun State is the education capital of this country and you will find such around educational institutions and he agreed with me.
“We have decided that we will set up our State Commission that will be targeted towards eliminating these sorts of financial crimes. Our state commission will collaborate with the Federal Commission so that we do not occupy that false place in this area.
We will like to occupy the first in many areas, but not in fraud and Yahoo Yahoo.
Also, he said he had declared war on the resurgence of kidnapping that reared its head on the link road between the state and its neighbours.
“Three days ago, I put a call through to my colleague in Oyo and we have decided that we are going to jointly collaborate in the area of providing security at the border posts between Ogun and Oyo states.
“He has decided that he will lead a team of his law enforcement architecture to Ogun State, so that we can have a meeting of minds and plan the way forward to take out these hoodlums. Ogun will not have a hiding place,” he said.
While affirming that OP-MESA was established to fight criminals across the state, he assured the people that members of the outfit would be picked to ensure they have the right discipline as well as ensure that they are committed to their assignment.
The governor further said that the launching of the outfit with fifteen vehicles, two armoured personal carriers and communication equipment would be done on a quarterly basis until the outfit reaches its desired number.
He enjoined the people of the state to take ownership of the outfit by collaborating with the personnel of the outfit for a more secured state.
“Today, we are launching OPMESA with a few equipment, in the first instance. We are providing them with fifteen pick up trucks, communication equipment, two armoured personal carriers; we will be providing them with this support every quarter, meaning that, in the next quarter, we give them another fifteen vehicles, another quarter, another fifteen vehicles until we reach the number that they require.
“I therefore enjoin our people to take ownership of this security outfit by collaborating with it and supporting it. Together, we shall make Ogun State a most hospitable and a conducive place of our collective dreams,” he said.
Abiodun who called on the private sector to embrace the OPMESA initiative, noted that his administration would continue to be responsive to issues bordering on security.
Governor Abiodun while noting that the outfit wasn’t peculiar to the state alone as it currently operates in twenty-six states of the federation, added that his administration was able to reactivate the outfit through a presidential consent sort by his administration after it was left comatose by the immediate past administration.
He noted that the outfit would benefit from the support of the security trust fund through donations and contributions from the government and the private sector, added that the OPMESA will compliment other security outfits in the state.
In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding, 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, comprising Lagos and Ogun State, Major General Lawrence Fejokwu commended the Ogun State Governor for reactivating the outfit and providing them with necessary equipment.
The two-star general said that he has no doubt in his mind that the state would become more secured with the support of the Governor.
The Commissioner of Police, Lanre Bankole while noting that the equipment was another example of support that would enable them to discharge their duties diligently, pledged to make best use of the equipment.
The Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo in his remarks, appreciated the Govenor for putting more effort at maintaining the position of the state as the safest in the country.
The royal father called on the people to pay their tax, support the outfit by not hiding useful information.
society
Easter: Oyo PDP Guber Aspirant, Ajadi, Greets Gov Makinde, CAN, Others
Easter: Oyo PDP Guber Aspirant, Ajadi, Greets Gov Makinde, CAN, Others
The leading Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Governorship Aspirant in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has congratulated the Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde, the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, (PFN) and the entire Christians on the occasion of this year’s Easter Celebration.
Ajadi said that the Good Friday which marked the remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the Easter Sunday, which marks his risen from the dead, are important dates in the Christiandom.
Ajadi in a statement he personally signed on Friday to commemorate the Easter, said that he rejoiced with Christians that this year’s celebration is being witnessed in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility in the country.
He said that he particularly rejoiced with Gov Makinde saying that his exemplary leadership and good governance in Oyo State in the last seven years has shown him as a selfless person, a lover of the masses and one who cares for others.
He said that these are the traits of a good Christian, praying that God would continue to endear the governor with more wisdom and success.
He called on Christians to remember Jesus Christ’s directive that they should love their neighbours as themselves, saying that if this directive is strictly followed there would be peace in the World.
Ajadi, who is also a renowned philanthropist, called on Christians, especially the well to do, to learn the heart of helping the poor.
He said that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ will not be in vain if Christians can abide by his directive on humility and love for one another.
Ajadi said that there is hope for Nigeria as a country despite the present harsh economy and prevalent of insecurity.
“We should take solace in the fact that God can do all things and that like He restores the lost glory and resources of the people of Zion, He will do same for Nigeria.
“Nigeria will reclaim her leading position both in Africa and among the black Nations. Let’s continue to pray for the good of our land,” Ajadi said in the statement.
society
POCACOV Takes Fight Against Cultism And Bullying To Schools In Edo
POCACOV Intensifies Sensitization on Cultism, Bullying, and Social Vices Among Students in Edo
In commemoration of the 2026 National Police Day Celebration, the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), Edo State Command, has reinforced its preventive policing efforts through a targeted sensitization outreach at Igbinedion Education Centre, Benin City.
The initiative forms part of the broader activities marking this year’s National Police Day, themed “Community Partnership: Building Trust,” which emphasizes collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the public in fostering a safer society.
The sensitization programme witnessed the presence of key stakeholders, including the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, the Police Public Relations Officer, and the Edo State POCACOV Coordinator, ASP Kingsley Upeh. The team engaged students in an insightful and impactful session focused on the dangers of cultism, bullying, and other social vices prevalent among youths.
During the session, students were educated on the severe and far-reaching consequences of cult-related activities. These include violence, loss of lives, disruption of academic pursuits, and long-term damage to personal reputation and future opportunities. The speakers also highlighted how peer pressure, drug abuse, and negative social influences often serve as gateways into criminal behavior.
In an interactive segment, the Commissioner of Police stressed the legal implications of engaging in criminal acts, noting that involvement in cultism and related offences could lead to arrest, prosecution, and lifelong consequences that may hinder personal growth and career aspirations.
The issue of bullying was also extensively addressed, with emphasis on both its legal ramifications and psychological impact on victims. Students were encouraged to speak up against bullying, report incidents to school authorities or law enforcement, and support peers who may be affected.
Furthermore, the outreach underscored the importance of self-discipline, moral values, and making informed life choices. Students were urged to become ambassadors of peace within their schools and communities by rejecting violence and promoting unity and mutual respect.
The POCACOV team reiterated its commitment to continuous engagement with young people through awareness campaigns, community outreach, and strategic partnerships aimed at preventing crime before it occurs. The initiative aligns with the Nigeria Police Force’s proactive approach to policing, which prioritizes education, prevention, and community involvement.
society
COAS Launches Nationwide Security Renewal Mission in Plateau
COAS Launches Nationwide Security Renewal Mission in Plateau
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday led a high-level delegation of security chiefs to Plateau State, flagging off a nationwide security renewal mission aimed at strengthening civil-military cooperation and restoring lasting peace across the country.
The visit to Jos, the Plateau State capital, marks the first phase of a coordinated national effort to address persistent security challenges through joint operations, community engagement, and proactive intelligence gathering.
Governor Caleb Muftwang received the delegation, describing the initiative as a critical step toward stabilizing affected communities and reinforcing public confidence in security institutions.
Civil-Military Synergy Takes Centre Stage
At the heart of the mission is a renewed emphasis on collaboration between the military, civil authorities, and local communities. Speaking during the visit, Lt. Gen. Shaibu stressed that national security must be treated as a collective responsibility.
He urged citizens to support security agencies by remaining vigilant, sharing credible information, and complying with lawful directives, noting that effective security cannot be achieved in isolation.
Community Engagement as Confidence-Building Tool
In a departure from purely operational engagements, the Army Chief held direct consultations with community leaders and residents in Jos, reinforcing the importance of trust and dialogue in conflict resolution.
Lawmakers, including Dachung Bagos and Ladi Dangyok, commended the initiative, stating that visible engagement by top military leadership helps rebuild confidence among citizens and fosters cooperation.
Proactive Security Operations Underway
Operational updates were provided by Major General Folusho Oyinlola, who disclosed that troops under Operation Enduring Peace have intensified surveillance, intelligence-led patrols, and coordinated actions with other security agencies.
According to the Army, the approach is designed to prevent escalation of threats, safeguard lives and property, and stabilize vulnerable communities before crises emerge.
A Shift Toward Sustainable Peace
Military authorities emphasized that the Plateau visit is part of a broader, long-term strategy to transition from reactive responses to sustainable peacebuilding nationwide. The framework includes strengthening local resilience, ensuring justice, and maintaining continuous engagement with stakeholders.
Analysts view the initiative as a significant policy shift, reflecting a more inclusive security architecture that integrates community participation with military operations.
Call for National Unity
The Army leadership concluded with an appeal to Nigerians to reject divisive narratives and support ongoing efforts to promote unity and peace.
“The success of this mission depends not only on the armed forces but on the cooperation of every citizen,” the COAS stated.
The nationwide security renewal campaign is expected to extend to other regions in the coming weeks as authorities seek to consolidate gains and build a safer, more unified Nigeria.
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