Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq calls for collective action among government, security agencies, and communities to strengthen policing and reduce crime

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has called for joint efforts among government, security agencies, and communities to ensure effective policing and make the state one of Nigeria’s safest.

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The governor made the remarks while declaring open the Kwara State Police Security Summit themed ‘Taking Back Our Communities: The Police–Public Partnership Against Violent Crime’.

Represented by his Special Adviser and Counsellor, Alhaji Sa’adudeen Salahu, AbdulRazaq emphasised that security remains a top priority for his administration, noting that the government continues to support security agencies in tackling crime and criminality.

“This administration has provided a conducive atmosphere to ensure peaceful coexistence in the state,” he said.

AbdulRazaq highlighted proactive measures by his government to address the root causes of insecurity, including youth unemployment.

“We are committed to supporting security agencies in their fight against crimes in Kwara State. Part of this commitment is the provision of employment opportunities to about 10,000 youths to reduce idleness and, by extension, crime in the society,” he added.

The governor commended security operatives for maintaining law and order and expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the Office of the National Security Adviser for prioritising security in Kwara and across the country.

He also dismissed claims linking the state government to a widely circulated video allegedly showing criminals operating in the state.

“Under no circumstances has the Kwara State Government harboured or provided safe haven to bandits,” he said.

Earlier, Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, explained that the summit aimed to address emerging security challenges through police–community partnerships.

He acknowledged that banditry and kidnapping had affected several local government areas, including Ifelodun, Irepodun, Edu, Patigi, Baruten, Kaiama, Ekiti, and Isin.

Delivering a lecture at the summit, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Adegboye Olafimihan, stressed that security is a shared responsibility.

He urged communities to actively engage in intelligence gathering and cautioned against ethnic stigmatisation, advocating for peaceful coexistence.

The summit featured interactive sessions with traditional rulers, youth groups, religious organisations, and other security stakeholders, who contributed ideas for tackling crime and enhancing public safety.

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Recent security challenges in the state include armed robbery, abductions, and targeted attacks, prompting temporary school closures in Ifelodun, Ekiti, Irepodun, Isin, and Oke Ero local government areas to protect pupils and teachers.