Oyo Kidnap: Federal Security Structure Has Left Me Helpless — Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has blamed Nigeria’s centrally controlled security structure for limiting his ability to effectively tackle kidnappings and other security challenges in the state, despite his designation as Chief Security Officer.

Makinde made the remarks on Saturday in Ibadan while accepting the presidential nomination of the African People's Movement (APM), where he pledged to reform the country's security architecture if elected President.

The governor said the continued captivity of abducted schoolchildren and other residents in Oyo State highlighted the constraints faced by state governors who lack constitutional control over security agencies operating within their jurisdictions.

“Today, innocent schoolchildren and citizens abducted by criminals remain in captivity in Oyo State,” he said. “As Governor of Oyo State, I carry the burden of being called the Chief Security Officer of the state, yet lacking constitutional control over the security agencies required to fully address these threats.”

Makinde argued that elected leaders should not be held responsible for security outcomes without being granted the authority needed to respond effectively to threats.

“No governor should bear responsibility without having the authority necessary to act,” he stated, calling for urgent constitutional reforms to strengthen state involvement in security management.

He promised that, if elected President, he would pursue the decentralisation of the nation's security framework to enable states to respond more swiftly and effectively to security challenges.

“As President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, by the grace of God, I will work to reform our national security architecture so that states are no longer left helpless in moments of crisis,” he said.

According to him, decentralisation would form a key part of his security agenda, adding that the protection of lives and property must remain a core responsibility of government.

“The decentralisation necessary for more effective security management will be prioritised. The safety and security of Nigerians will never be treated as a political slogan. Under my leadership, it will be a sacred national responsibility,” Makinde declared.

The governor also said his presidential nomination came at a time of mounting economic and security challenges across the country, which he said required urgent and decisive leadership.

“Ordinarily, this would be a moment purely for celebration. It marks the first step in seeking a mandate that can help actualise the Nigerian dream. However, recent security challenges here in Oyo State and across our nation have transformed this occasion into a moment of deep reflection,” he said.

Makinde lamented the hardship facing many Nigerians, citing hunger, insecurity, unemployment, rising transportation costs and growing uncertainty about the future.

“Nigeria is hurting. Millions of our people are burdened by hunger, insecurity, rising transportation costs, unemployment, and uncertainty about the future,” he said.

He added that citizens were increasingly demanding accountability and tangible improvements in governance, insisting that the country needed a fresh approach to leadership and development.

“Across the country, Nigerians are asking the same question: When will leadership truly begin to work for the ordinary citizen? They are asking: When will the Nigerian dream become a reality?” he said.

Calling for a new national direction, Makinde said Nigeria could no longer rely on policies and strategies that had failed to deliver meaningful progress.

“My answer is simple: Nigeria must reset,” he declared.

“We cannot continue recycling the same approaches while expecting different outcomes. A new direction must emerge, one founded on competence, courage, accountability and compassion,” he added.