OPC New Era president calls for urgent review of Nigeria’s security architecture, backs state policing

By Olusesan Laoye

The President of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) New Era, Chief Rasak Arogundade, has called for an urgent review of Nigeria’s security architecture, urging the Federal Government to take decisive steps to strengthen border security and curb rising insecurity across the country.

Arogundade made the call in a goodwill message to Nigerians on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, where he also congratulated Muslims and urged prayers for peace, stability and national progress.

He said recent incidents of kidnapping and terrorism across different parts of the country underscored the need for a comprehensive rethink of existing security strategies.

According to him, Nigeria’s porous borders continue to serve as entry points for foreign criminal elements who contribute to insecurity in various communities.

“The time has come to critically review our security architecture in a way that will effectively secure our borders and prevent terrorists from infiltrating the country to wreak havoc,” he said.

The OPC leader commended the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ongoing efforts to address insecurity but alleged that sabotage by criminal collaborators within the system was undermining progress.

He called for intensified action to identify and prosecute individuals he described as “enemies of progress” working against national security reforms.

Arogundade also condemned the recent attack in Orire, Oyo State, where schoolchildren were reportedly kidnapped and a teacher killed, describing the incident as “barbaric and deeply disturbing.”

He said the killing of an educator in the presence of students was particularly tragic and called for sober reflection by Nigerians during the festive period.

The OPC leader reiterated his organisation’s support for the establishment of state police, arguing that decentralised policing would improve responsiveness to security challenges across local communities.

He also commended Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for issuing an Executive Order following the incident, describing it as a bold step toward strengthening local security coordination.

According to him, the directive to regulate and recognise security-support groups in the state would help improve collaboration and curb criminal infiltration if properly implemented.

Arogundade urged other state governors, particularly in the South-West, to emulate Oyo State’s approach by integrating credible community-based security organisations into formal security frameworks.

He noted that OPC New Era is prepared to participate in Oyo State’s security initiative, provided it operates under clear regulatory guidelines issued by the government.

However, he cautioned that the implementation of new security policies must be supported with adequate equipment and resources to ensure effectiveness.

He also warned against politicising security initiatives, stressing that such measures should be focused strictly on protecting lives and property.

The OPC leader further urged Nigerians to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir season peacefully, advising youths to avoid actions that could lead to violence or criminal behaviour during the festivities.