The chairman, House of Representatives committee on Digital, Information Communication Technology and Cybersecurity, Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide, has commiserated with the families of victims affected by the recent kidnapping incidents in Orire local government area of Oyo state, assuring residents that all hands are on deck to strengthen security and dismantle criminal networks operating within the state.
The federal lawmaker stated this in a statement made available to journalists through his Special Adviser, Media and Public Affairs, Tolu Mustapha.
Olajide, who represents Ibadan North-west/Ibadan South-west federal constituency of Oyo state also expressed solidarity with the government and people of Oyo state over what he described as “an unfortunate and disturbing security challenge,” insisting that the state must not be allowed to fall into the hands of criminal gangs and terror elements.
According to him, security agencies and relevant stakeholders must immediately embrace technology driven strategies capable of tracking, exposing and disrupting the communication architecture of kidnappers and other criminal elements terrorizing innocent citizens.
“As chairman of the House committee on Digital, Information Communication Technology and Cybersecurity, we have mandated relevant communications and digital security agencies to work closely with security operatives in tracking communication channels, digital footprints and operational networks of these criminal elements with a view to breaking their chain of operations,” he stated.
Olajide stressed that modern security challenges require intelligence led and technologically co-ordinated responses, noting that criminal networks now rely heavily on telecommunications infrastructure, anonymous digital platforms and co-ordinated communication systems to carry out their operations.
He explained that beyond conventional policing, the deployment of digital surveillance systems, geo-location intelligence, call pattern analysis, real-time communication monitoring and inter-agency digital collaboration has become imperative in combating kidnapping and other organized crimes.
The lawmaker further advocated improved synergy between telecommunications operators, cybersecurity agencies, intelligence units and local security formations to enhance early warning systems and rapid response mechanisms across vulnerable communities.
According to him, technology remains one of the most potent tools in modern crime detection and prevention, adding that the government must begin to invest more aggressively in smart security infrastructure, digital intelligence gathering and surveillance technology across strategic locations in the state.
“Oyo State must remain safe and secure for all. We cannot afford to allow criminal gangs and kidnappers infiltrate our communities and threaten the peace our people have continued to enjoy. Every necessary step must be taken to protect lives and restore confidence among residents,” he added.
Olajide also called on residents to remain vigilant and co-operate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information capable of assisting ongoing investigations and security operations.
He, however, urged citizens against panic, assuring that efforts are ongoing at different levels to strengthen security architecture and ensure that those behind the criminal activities are identified and brought to justice.
The lawmaker reiterated his commitment to supporting legislative and policy measures aimed at improving internal security, digital intelligence co-ordination and the deployment of technology driven crime prevention mechanisms across Nigeria.
