Vice Chancellor Seeks Stronger Intelligence-Sharing To Curb Cross-State Crimes

The Vice-Chancellor of McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ogun State Professor Francis Igbasan has called for unified strategies, stronger cooperation, and consistent information exchange to effectively counter cross-state crimes.

He stated this at the 2025 Interstate Security Coordination Meeting, which involved top security stakeholders from Ogun and Oyo States, hosted by the Institution.

Igbasan described the meeting as timely in view of the security challenges facing both states, citing recent cases of kidnapping along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Abeokuta-Siun-Sagamu corridor, as well as herdsmen-related incidents and the rise in drug and cult-related activities in tertiary institutions.

According to a press statement by Tokunbo Olakunle, Director of Information and Public Relations, McPherson University, Professor Igbasan noted that criminal elements often operate across Ogun and Oyo without regard for boundaries, exploiting lapses in coordination and intelligence-sharing between the two states.

He commended both states for choosing collaboration over competition, saying the meeting provides a platform to harmonise operational strategies, deepen joint patrol efforts, and evolve standard protocols that will frustrate criminals who exploit border communities as escape routes.

He also expressed optimism that the renewed synergy would significantly enhance regional security outcomes, reiterating McPherson University’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at securing lives and property across its host communities and neighbouring states.

He assured the gathering that the institution would continue to offer research expertise, intellectual resources, and relevant institutional support towards sustained peace and development.

The session was chaired by AIG Olusola Subair, Special Adviser on Security to the Governor of Ogun State, and CP Fatai Owoseni, Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Governor of Oyo State, amongst others.

In his opening remarks, AIG Subair expressed gratitude to McPherson University for hosting the meeting and providing an environment that enabled the dialogue.

He said the interstate engagement had become essential to reassess the security architecture and establish more effective ways of securing the two neighbouring states.