The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem Adebayo Lawal, has charged the Nigerian Navy and other armed forces recruitment committees to conduct rigorous and proper profiling of candidates to prevent criminals and undesirable elements from infiltrating the military.
Speaking on Thursday in Ibadan while receiving a courtesy visit from the Nigerian Navy recruitment team for parts of the South-West, the Deputy Governor emphasised that the prevailing security challenges in the country demand diligent screening of those entrusted with national security.
“Nigeria is facing serious security threats, and we cannot afford to pollute the armed forces with individuals of questionable character,” he said, expressing strong reservations about the absorption of so-called repentant bandits into the military.
Barr. Lawal questioned the credibility of the repentance process and described the procedure for integrating former insurgents as “not foolproof.” He noted that the recent surge in criminal activities across the country suggests that more needs to be done to safeguard lives and property.
While commending the Nigerian Armed Forces for their sacrifices in protecting the nation, the Deputy Governor assured the recruitment team of the Oyo State Government’s full support, stating that “no assistance is too much for those who have pledged their lives for the safety of our dear nation.”
He particularly thanked the Nigerian Navy for including Oyo State among the centres for the ongoing recruitment exercise.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, identified only as Agan, informed the Deputy Governor that the team’s mission was to recruit qualified and capable candidates into the Navy as part of efforts to strengthen the maritime arm of Nigeria’s armed forces.
