Former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, has renewed calls for a decentralised security system in Nigeria, insisting that true security begins at the grassroots.
Speaking at the grand finale of the 13th anniversary of Gallery Security Services Limited that held in Agadagba-Obon, Ese Odo Local Government Area, Mimiko said the success of community-driven security models proves that centralised policing alone cannot address Nigeria’s complex challenges.
The event, chaired by Mimiko, also had in attendance Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa; former NDDC Managing Director, Ndutimi Alaibe; and former presidential aide and ex-PAP chairman, Kingsley Kuku. All three commended the founder of Gallery Security, Bibopere Ajube, for his continued role in stabilising security in riverine and Niger Delta communities.
Mimiko recalled how Ajube first approached him 13 years ago—while he was governor—with a proposal for a local security outfit that would support federal agencies in protecting waterways and difficult terrain.
“After a thorough review, I gave the go-ahead. So, I was part of Gallery Security Services from day one,” he said.
He added that the outfit’s success is evidence that Nigeria must restructure its security architecture if it hopes to achieve lasting peace and effective crime-fighting across the country.
