On High Alert: Ekiti Fortifies Borders Against Rising Wave of Kidnappings

Ekiti State has stepped up security operations along its borders as authorities move to prevent the spillover of kidnapping, banditry and violent attacks from neighbouring states into its territory.

The heightened security response comes amid increasing concerns over criminal activities in parts of the Southwest, particularly border communities linked to Kwara, Kogi and Ondo states.

Despite relative peace across most parts of Ekiti, authorities say isolated attacks have prompted a more aggressive security posture to protect residents and critical infrastructure.

One of the most notable incidents occurred on April 28, when armed bandits attacked a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area, killing a pastor and abducting about 15 worshippers during a crusade.

More than three weeks after the attack, security agencies say efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the victims, while investigations and search operations continue across forested areas believed to harbour criminal elements.

The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, said a multi-agency “bush-combing” operation has been intensified to flush out kidnappers and prevent them from establishing footholds in border communities.

He explained that the operation involves personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps and local vigilante groups.

Falade said the security strategy includes bush clearance operations, raids on suspected hideouts, visibility policing and strengthened surveillance at entry points into the state.

According to him, earlier phases of the operation had pushed back armed groups attempting to infiltrate communities along Ekiti’s borders with Kwara and Kogi states.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, retired Brigadier General Ebenezer Ogundana, said intelligence-sharing and joint operations with neighbouring states have been intensified to ensure the safe rescue of kidnapped victims.

He described ongoing rescue operations as sensitive and carefully managed to avoid harm to abducted persons, stressing that coordination between security agencies remains critical.

The state government maintains that Ekiti remains one of the safest states in the Southwest, crediting proactive policies such as forest-clearing operations, surveillance upgrades and community-based intelligence gathering.

Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, said schools, worship centres and rural communities are under enhanced protection, supported by fencing projects and digital monitoring systems under the Safe School initiative.

Authorities also confirmed that security measures will be further tightened ahead of the June 20 governorship election, with increased patrols, intelligence operations and deployment of joint task forces.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji has repeatedly assured residents that the state will remain “too hot for criminals,” pledging continued investment in security infrastructure and inter-agency collaboration.

While Ekiti remains relatively stable compared to neighbouring states, officials say sustained vigilance, community participation and intelligence sharing remain essential to preventing infiltration by armed groups fleeing security pressure elsewhere.