…..SSG Talabi lauds technology-driven policing, promises expansion across state
….Amotekun Commander says surveillance system will boost response time, deter crime
….Pilot scheme covers three strategic locations with plan for statewide rollout
The Ogun State Government on Wednesday commissioned a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Control Centre for the Ogun State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, in a move aimed at strengthening the state’s security architecture through technology-driven surveillance.
The facility, located at the Amotekun Main Office Building, was unveiled during a ceremony attended by top government officials, security stakeholders and representatives of various security agencies operating within the state.
Speaking at the event, the Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, described Amotekun as a pioneering force in community-based security and said the introduction of advanced surveillance technology would significantly improve operational efficiency.
Talabi noted that with about 2,000 operatives currently serving in the corps, the integration of technology had become necessary to effectively manage personnel and monitor security situations across the state’s expansive territory.
He said the CCTV initiative reflects the state government’s confidence in the professionalism and strategic direction of the Amotekun Corps, adding that the project would serve as a foundation for future security upgrades.
According to him, the deployment of surveillance cameras in critical locations would help security agencies monitor incidents in real time, improve response time and support investigations through recorded footage.
Talabi said the technology would be particularly useful in monitoring accident-prone and high-traffic areas, including locations where heavy-duty vehicles such as trailers frequently operate.
He disclosed that during a demonstration of the system, operatives were contacted on site and responded promptly, while alternative communication channels were also tested to ensure operational reliability.
The SSG stressed the importance of collaboration among security agencies, noting that security is a complex responsibility that cannot be handled by a single institution.
He commended the presence of the police, vigilante groups and other security formations at the event, saying inter-agency cooperation remains critical to achieving sustainable peace and safety.
Talabi explained that the CCTV project is currently at pilot stage, covering three strategic locations selected based on security risk assessment and crime trends.
He assured residents that the state government would scale up the project after evaluating the pilot phase, adding that reports recommending additional locations have already been submitted for government consideration.
Earlier, the Ogun State Commander of Amotekun Corps, Brig. Gen. Alade Adedigba (rtd), said the unveiling of the CCTV Control Centre marks a major milestone in the integration of technology into security operations.
Adedigba said security operations without technological support are largely reactive, while technology-driven systems enable proactive and intelligence-led responses.
He explained that the control centre would enhance communication between headquarters and field operatives, reducing response time during emergencies and potentially saving lives.
The commander said the real-time monitoring capability would allow security personnel to track incidents as they occur and coordinate responses more effectively.
Adedigba warned criminal elements that the introduction of surveillance infrastructure signals increased monitoring across strategic locations, which he said would help reduce crime rates.
He added that criminals would now be forced to reconsider their actions knowing that their movements could be tracked and recorded.
The Amotekun boss revealed that security threat assessments have identified additional areas requiring surveillance coverage and that recommendations have already been forwarded to the state government.
He expressed optimism that the state government would approve expansion plans, noting that the successful deployment of the pilot scheme demonstrates the effectiveness of the system in enhancing public safety.
