By Esther Onyegbula

Concerned by emerging security threats across parts of the country and the strategic position of Badagry as a border community, the Executive Chairman of Badagry West Local Council Development Area, Hon. Rauf Ibrahim Kayode Yemaren (RIKAY), has convened a high-level security stakeholders’ meeting aimed at strengthening intelligence gathering, border surveillance and grassroots vigilance within the council area.

The Special Peace and Security Stakeholders’ Meeting, held on Tuesday at the Badagry West LCDA Secretariat in Kankon, brought together representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services, DSS, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, traditional rulers, religious leaders, market representatives, youth groups and community leaders.

Addressing participants, Yemaren said the gathering became necessary in view of the growing security concerns being recorded in some parts of the country and the need to sustain the prevailing peace within Badagry West.

According to him, although the council remains one of the most peaceful and secure areas in Lagos State, stakeholders must remain vigilant and proactive to prevent any security breach.

“We must remain proactive. While there is no cause for alarm, this is a time for increased vigilance and stronger cooperation among all stakeholders responsible for the safety of our communities,” he said.

The council boss stressed that security agencies and community-based security structures must deepen collaboration through intelligence sharing, surveillance and early warning mechanisms to effectively tackle emerging threats.

He commended security agencies operating within the council area for their commitment to protecting lives and property and assured them of his administration’s continued support.

As part of efforts to strengthen security infrastructure, Yemaren disclosed that the council recently renovated the Asakpo Police Post at Suntan Beach to improve security operations around one of the area’s major tourism and recreational centres.

The chairman also debunked recent social media reports alleging the presence of terrorists and other security threats at Suntan Beach, describing the claims as false and misleading.

He explained that a fact-finding exercise conducted by the council revealed that the incident being circulated online was a routine security screening carried out on visitors during the Salah holiday celebration on May 31.

According to him, some traditional charms found on certain visitors and claimed to be for personal protection were inspected as part of standard security procedures, adding that no security breach was recorded.

Yemaren reassured residents, tourists and investors that Badagry West remains safe and peaceful, urging the public to disregard fake news capable of causing unnecessary panic.

To further strengthen grassroots security architecture, he said the council would continue to partner with traditional and community-based security groups, including the Zangbeto institution, Hunters Association, vigilante groups, Community Development Committees, CDCs, and Community Development Associations, CDAs.

He noted that such groups possess extensive knowledge of local communities and could effectively complement the efforts of conventional security agencies through intelligence gathering and community surveillance.

The chairman also unveiled plans to introduce dedicated emergency security contact lines to enable residents promptly report suspicious movements and security concerns for immediate response.

Speaking at the meeting, the Area Commander, Area K Command, ACP Adeleke Smith, urged residents to remain alert and security conscious at all times.

Smith assured participants that security agencies across Badagry Division were working closely together to maintain law and order.

He said: “Intelligence from members of the public remains critical in preventing crime. We urge residents to continue supporting security agencies by reporting suspicious activities promptly.”

Also speaking, the Commander of the 653 Nigerian Air Force Station, Ahanve, Badagry, Group Captain Humphrey Medugu, underscored the importance of enhanced border surveillance and inter-agency collaboration.

According to him, effective monitoring of border routes and waterways remains crucial to preventing criminal infiltration and safeguarding border communities.

He stressed that sustained cooperation among security agencies was necessary to maintain peace and stability in the area.

In his remarks, the Head of the Hunters Association, Rtd. Cpt. Amore Abiodun, pledged the readiness of hunters within Badagry West to support ongoing security efforts.

Abiodun said hunters would continue to assist security agencies through intelligence gathering, bush patrol operations and community surveillance.

He added that their familiarity with local terrains positioned them to contribute significantly to early warning and crime prevention mechanisms.

Beyond security operations, Yemaren identified youth engagement and empowerment as key pillars of sustainable peace and security.

He disclosed that the council had continued to invest in youth-focused initiatives, including educational support programmes, empowerment schemes, novelty football matches, free GCE and JAMB registration support, as well as the ongoing Computer-Based Test, CBT, Centre project.

According to him, the interventions are designed to create opportunities for young people, discourage criminal activities and promote active participation in community development.

He reiterated that security remains a collective responsibility and pledged the council’s continued support for all efforts aimed at protecting lives and property.

At the end of the meeting, stakeholders resolved to strengthen coordinated security operations through a joint framework involving conventional security agencies, hunters, vigilante groups, the Zangbeto institution and other community-based security structures.

They also endorsed plans for a dedicated emergency reporting system and sustained public sensitisation campaigns to encourage residents to report suspicious activities.

The stakeholders further reaffirmed their commitment to enhanced intelligence sharing, improved border surveillance, community policing and stronger collaboration towards preserving peace, stability and economic activities across Badagry West LCDA.