By Erewunmi Peace

Governor Dapo Abiodun has issued fresh directives aimed at tackling rising insecurity across the state, placing landlords, community leaders, and local authorities under renewed scrutiny.

The governor, who spoke during a recent security meeting with stakeholders, warned that landlords who rent their houses to criminals or fail to properly identify their tenants may face sanctions. This, he said, has become necessary as many criminal hideouts across the state were discovered to be residential apartments rented without proper verification.

According to the governor, “Ogun will not tolerate landlords who harbour criminals. Anyone found aiding illegal activities through careless renting practices will be held accountable.”

Mandatory Registration of Foreign Nationals

As part of the new security measures, the state government has also ordered compulsory documentation of all foreign nationals living or working in Ogun. Local authorities have been directed to work with immigration officers to ensure proper biometrics and verification.

The move comes after intelligence reports linked certain undocumented residents to illegal mining, kidnapping, and other criminal activities in border communities.

Criminal Enclaves to Be Dismantled

Governor Abiodun also announced the dismantling of known criminal settlements, particularly shanties and makeshift camps suspected to be used as hideouts by bandits, illegal miners, and drug groups.

He emphasized that Ogun State would not allow “security threats to take advantage of unregulated settlements.”

Community Leaders Placed on Notice

Traditional rulers, CDC chairmen, and community heads have also been directed to intensify surveillance within their territories. Any negligence or concealment of criminal activity, the government warned, will be treated as complicity.

The state has recently witnessed increasing reports of:

Illegal mining activities in rural communities

Suspicious movement of undocumented foreigners

Kidnappings along border areas

Use of rented apartments as criminal hideouts

Residents have called for stronger government action, prompting these new measures.

What It Means for Landlords and Residents

Landlords must now verify the identity of tenants

Foreign residents must undergo official documentation

Shanty settlements with questionable activity may be cleared

Security agents will conduct more frequent checks

The government assured residents that the crackdown is aimed at protecting lives and property, not witch-hunting innocent citizens.