Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has urged residents to promptly report suspicious movements, unfamiliar persons and other activities that could pose security risks in their communities.
The governor’s warning comes amid a security alert concerning alleged plans by terrorists to attack worship centres and other public places in the state.
Adeleke, through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, called on residents to work closely with security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence.
He particularly urged people living in border communities to remain vigilant and report unusual movements or the arrival of unfamiliar persons.
The appeal was reported by Punch and other Nigerian news outlets on Sunday.
Governor calls for community vigilance
Adeleke’s administration said residents should not ignore information that could help security agencies prevent attacks.
The governor’s message places particular emphasis on community-level intelligence, which is often critical in identifying suspicious movements before they develop into security incidents.
Residents were encouraged to contact relevant security authorities rather than attempting to confront suspicious individuals themselves.
The governor’s warning is especially significant for communities located close to state borders, where movement between states can make monitoring more difficult.
Security alert over possible attacks
The warning followed concerns over alleged plans to target worship centres and other public locations.
Adeleke was also reported to have convened or planned a meeting of the Osun State Security Council to examine the situation and coordinate an appropriate response.
The development has raised concerns among residents because places of worship remain among the most accessible gathering points for large numbers of people.
The governor’s administration is therefore urging citizens to remain alert without creating unnecessary panic.
Security agencies remain central
Adeleke stressed the need for residents to support, rather than replace, security agencies.
The approach reflects the increasing importance of community intelligence in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime.
While residents can provide information about suspicious activities, actual investigation, intervention and arrests remain the responsibility of authorised security agencies.
The governor’s office has therefore urged citizens to pass information through appropriate channels.
Balancing vigilance with public confidence
The challenge for the state government is to maintain vigilance without allowing security warnings to generate widespread fear.
Residents are expected to continue attending schools, markets, religious gatherings and other public activities while remaining alert to unusual developments.
Adeleke’s administration has also urged community leaders and residents to cooperate with security agencies as authorities assess the threat.
The governor’s appeal comes at a time when security remains one of the most important concerns across Nigeria, with several states strengthening intelligence gathering and community-based security measures.
For Osun, the immediate priority is to ensure that any credible threat is identified early and addressed before it develops into an attack.