Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has handed over 100 operational vehicles to security agencies across the state, saying the intervention will improve patrols, rapid response and preparations for the eventual take-off of the proposed state police outfit.
The vehicles were presented on Monday at the Osuntokun Pavilion, Government House Grounds, Ado-Ekiti, as part of the state government’s continuing investment in security infrastructure.
Beneficiaries include the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Correctional Service and Amotekun Corps.
Oyebanji said security of lives and property remained a major priority of his administration, adding that the latest intervention was designed to address the recurring demand by security agencies for operational vehicles.
He said the vehicles would enhance mobility, increase visibility, facilitate faster responses to distress calls, and improve the effectiveness of security personnel in the field.
“Lined up here are 100 units of security vehicles, primarily for operations and mobility of your personnel and the eventual take-off of the state police outfit,” the governor said.
The governor recalled that his administration had, about two years ago, distributed patrol vehicles, armoured personnel carriers, bulletproof vests, helmets and other protective equipment to security agencies.
According to him, the latest provision is an additional intervention aimed at strengthening the state’s security architecture.
Oyebanji also pledged continued financial and logistical support for security agencies operating in Ekiti, including regular monthly assistance and efforts to strengthen state-owned security institutions.
He charged security chiefs to justify the investment by increasing patrols, maintaining strategic visibility and improving response to security incidents.
“To whom much is given, much is expected,” he said, urging personnel to ensure that the vehicles were properly deployed and maintained.
The governor further called on security and intelligence agencies to make greater use of available surveillance technology and improve inter-agency cooperation.
“Agencies must not work in silos, but collaboratively in the interest of our collective security,” he said.
Oyebanji also urged security personnel to remain vigilant as the state prepares for forthcoming political activities and elections.
The Ekiti State government said the vehicles would also support security operations ahead of the state’s October inauguration activities and the 2027 presidential election.
He commended security agencies, community security initiatives, local vigilante groups and traditional rulers for their contributions to maintaining peace across the state.
The governor disclosed that the government was also working towards establishing a maintenance facility in partnership with CIG Motors to ensure the vehicles remain operational.
Oyebanji attributed the government’s ability to procure the vehicles partly to increased resources available to states following reforms by the Federal Government.
He also appealed to residents to support President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections, linking continued federal support to the sustainability of development programmes in Ekiti.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Brigadier General Ebenezer Ogundana (retd.), said the new vehicles would further improve the operational efficiency and responsiveness of security agencies.
Representatives of the security agencies expressed appreciation for the intervention and assured the government that the vehicles would be deployed appropriately to strengthen security operations across Ekiti.
