Insecurity: ALAAFIN Says Strategic Placement of Military Barracks near Local Communities are Vital Infrastructure for Deterrence, Local Economic Integration

PRESS RELEASE ( 10/9/2026)

Insecurity: ALAAFIN Says Strategic Placement of Military Barracks near Local Communities are Vital Infrastructure for Deterrence, Local Economic Integration.

The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, has said strategic placement of military barracks and forward operating bases in or near local communities serves as a vital infrastructure for deterrence, rapid response, and local economic integration.

He also stated that embedding military infrastructure in volatile or frontline areas shifts the security posture from reactive responses to preventative protection, deterring banditry and other criminal sanctuaries.

In a release by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, Oba Owoade stated this on Wednesday while receiving project inspection team from the Ministry of Defence , Abuja, who paid him a courtesy visit.

In May this year, some pupils and teachers from Yawota, Esin- Elee Oyo, and Alawusa communities in the Orire local government area of Oyo State were abducted by bandits. The affected communities were dominated by Oyo indigenes.

They were later released from captivity barely three months after, following the intervention by combined team of the Military and the Police .

Consequently, there had been repeated calls by the Alaafin and other relevant stakeholders for the establishment of a military base as existential urgency to counter insurgency in the area.

The Federal Government eventually acceded to these calls by approving the establishment of a Military base at Ote - Efon community in the Atiba local government area, with close proximity to Orire communities and Iseyin town. 

In line with the approval, the Ministry of Defence, Abuja, constituted a Project Monitoring team led by Dr. Jude Alorio, as the Project Director.

The Project team accompanied by the local committee today inspected the large expanse of land donated for the construction of the Military base at Ote- Efon community.

The Paramount Ruler noted that amid various counterinsurgency efforts, one strategy often underutilized but profoundly effective is the strategic placement of military barracks in hotbeds of insurgency. 

According to him, "" this could be the surgical intervention that the country desperately needs not only to suppress threats but to reassure and rebuild confidence among the citizenry in the power and presence of the Nigerian state.

"" Military barracks are not just buildings; they are symbols of state authority, operational readiness, and psychological assurance. The physical presence of trained armed forces deters any act of insurgency, , disrupts criminal sanctuaries, and introduces a permanent security infrastructure that cannot be easily overwhelmed or withdrawn like a special task force.

"" When barracks are located far from conflict zones, deployment is reactionary security operatives arrive after the damage has been done. But when military infrastructure is embedded in the heart of volatile zones, the state becomes both proactive and preventative. Barracks serve as launchpads for swift response operations, intelligence gathering, and community-military partner"".

 Oba Owoade further pointed out that "" Military installations stimulate commerce by creating jobs, increasing demand for housing and transport services, and fostering localized markets, just as host communities often benefit from spillover investments, such as improved access roads, healthcare access, power supply, and water projects linked to military garrisons. Integrated bases facilitate joint intelligence gathering, community-oriented welfare outreaches, and structured dialogue between security forces and civilian leadership"".

Alaafin therefore lauded President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Defence for approving the establishment of a Military base at Ote- Efon, which he posited would further strengthening security, improve rapid response to threats, protect communities, and enhance the safety of lives and property across the affected local government areas.

Earlier, Dr.Alorio expressed delight at what he referred to as "" seriousness and commitment "" of the local committee in working together with the monitoring team in achieving its aims and objectives.

According to him, "" I must say that we are indeed grateful for the support and cooperation. The place is beautiful and General Officer Commanding the 2nd Mechanised Division is delighted about it and very much interested"".

While expressing the monitoring team's grattitude for the warm reception according them, Dr. Alorio requested for surveying of the acquired land in order to facilitate timely construction of the project. 

In the same vein, Arch- Bishop Emeritus Lawrence Ayoade Ladigbolu , said "" today is a memorable one. A day that the Federal Government decides that the people of Oyo matters, deserves attention. A day that the people's hope is being rekindled. A day that despite is coming the way of the people for protection against banditry and other criminal onslaughts . The good people of Oyo gladly appreciate these and are sincerely grateful to the Federal Government"".

Highlights of the event included presentation of letter of authorisation , and documents on the landed property by the Alaafin to the the monitoring team leader , Dr.Alorio.

BREAKING: Alaafin Of Oyo Declares Chieftaincy Title Claimed By A Brazilian Yemoja Worshipper Paula Ferraira Null And Void!

 Alaafin Of Oyo Declares Chieftaincy Title Caimed By A Brazilian Yemoja Worshipper Paula Ferreira Null And Void!

Ferreira was on August 23, 2026, bestowed with the title “Yeye Atayese Oniyemoja of Oyo Land”, according to her subsequent social media post.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has declared invalid a traditional title bestowed on Brazilian national Paola Almeida Ferreira by Yemoja worshippers in Oyo, saying the conferment was made without the permission of the palace.

Ferreira was on August 23, 2026, bestowed with the title “Yeye Atayese Oniyemoja of Oyo Land”, according to her subsequent social media post.

However, in a public statement dated August 26 and signed by the Alaafin, the monarch said the title was not valid under the native laws, customs and chieftaincy traditions of Oyo Land.

The statement, titled “Title Yeye Atayese Oniyemoja of Oyo Land,” was issued from the Alaafin’s palace under reference number AL 1/VOL.8/105.

His Imperial Majesty Alaafin of Oyo Oba Engineer Abimbola Owoade said traditional titles could not be conferred in Oyo without the knowledge and approval of the Alaafin, who he described as the prescribed authority and custodian of the town’s historical and cultural heritage.

“This statement is to certify in exercise of the powers conferred upon to me under the native laws, customs and chieftaincy tradition of Oyo Land that any traditional title can't be conferred without the awareness and permission of the authority of the Alaafin in Oyo community and its environs,” the monarch said.

He subsequently declared the title given to Ferreira officially invalid.

“Therefore, the Alaafin of Oyo, the custodian of the historical and cultural Heritage in Oyo as the prescribe authority, hereby informs that the title YEYE ATAYESE ONIYEMONJA OF OYO LAND, bestowed on the 23rd August 2026 to PAOLA ALMEIDA FERREIRA, Brazilian citizen is OFFICIALLY INVALID,” Oba Owoade stated.

Ferreira had celebrated the conferment of the title in a Facebook post on August 24, describing it as a position carrying responsibility and a connection to the sacred.

“There are titles that are responsibilities, recognition, and commitment to the sacred,” she wrote.

She described Atayese Oniyemoja as a priestly title associated with the Yemoja cult and said it was linked to the “strength, protection, and transformative power” of the deity.

According to Ferreira, Yemoja represents “a source of life, motherhood, acceptance, depth, and strength.”

“Her waters nourish, protect, and renew!” she added.

Explaining the significance she attached to the title, Ferreira wrote: “Therefore, carrying the title Atayese Oniyemoja represents being linked to a greater mission: to transform, care for, guide, and contribute to people's lives finding paths of balance, prosperity, and renewal through the strength of Yemọja.”

She further described the title as one that carries a responsibility to Yemoja and to devotees seeking positive transformation.

“Atayese Oniyemoja: one who carries a responsibility before Yemọja and before those who seek, through her strength, a better life,” she said.

Ferreira concluded her post with a prayer for devotees of Yemoja.

“May the waters of Yemọja continue to open paths, bring transformation, and strengthen all those who walk under her protection. Àṣẹ!” she wrote.

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Alaafin inaugurates 37 -Member Committee for maiden Oyo Empire Day Celebrations

The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, has inaugurated a 37-member Central Working Committee to coordinate activities for the maiden Oyo Empire Day Celebration scheduled to hold on 17th - 19th December, 2026.

The inauguration took place on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, as the monarch charged members of the committee to work with unity, integrity and commitment towards preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the ancient Oyo Empire.

The committee is chaired by Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola, while Prof. Soji Adejumo serves as Vice Chairman and Prince Dapo Olakulehin as Secretary.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Alaafin described the Oyo Empire Day Celebration as a deliberate effort to reconnect present and future generations with the remarkable history, institutions and enduring legacy of the Oyo Empire.

He said the Oyo Empire occupied a unique position in the history of Yorubaland, West Africa and the wider African continent, citing its sophisticated political institutions, military organisation, diplomacy, commerce, intellectual traditions and cultural heritage.

Alaafin said Oyo Empire Day celebration, themed “Celebrating Our Heritage, Preserving Our Legacy, Building Our Future,” would go beyond entertainment to promote historical research, cultural preservation, tourism development, economic opportunities, youth engagement and international partnerships.

He said the proposed programmes would include a heritage and opening ceremony, book presentation, cultural exhibitions, the Oyo Empire Colloquium, tourism activities and other cultural engagements.

The Alaafin urged members of the committee to see their appointment as a responsibility to generations yet unborn, stressing that the success of the project could not rest solely on the Palace.

He also called on traditional rulers, scholars, historians, young people, Oyo indigenes in the diaspora, corporate organisations and development partners to support the initiative.

The monarch stressed that the Oyo Empire’s historical footprints extended beyond present-day political and administrative boundaries, with Oyo-linked communities spread across parts of Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Ogun and Ondo states, as well as the Republic of Benin.

According to him, the celebration would seek to reconnect these communities, strengthen historical consciousness and foster enduring bonds among people connected to the Oyo civilisation.

He further charged the committee to think beyond the 2026 celebration and work towards establishing the Oyo Empire Day as an enduring annual institution with international relevance.

“I formally inaugurate the Central Working Committee for the Oyo Empire Day Celebration and charge you to commence your work with immediate effect,” the Alaafin declared.

He expressed the hope that the initiative would strengthen the bonds among the people of Oyo and ensure that the legacy of the Oyo Empire continues to inspire generations yet unborn.

In his welcome address, Retired Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu commended the Alaafin for the initiative, noting that the monarch’s enthronement had brought peace and progress to the kingdom.

He pledged his commitment to the success of the Oyo Empire Day Celebration and urged members of the committee to give their best towards making the initiative a landmark success.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Central Working Committee, Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola, in his acceptance speech, said members had been saddled with the responsibility of laying a solid foundation for the promotion of Oyo’s rich cultural heritage and enduring legacy.

Ogunmola said the committee recognised the significance of the assignment and would work collectively to ensure that the celebration achieved its objectives and laid the foundation for a sustainable annual commemoration of the history and civilisation of the Oyo Empire.

He assured the Alaafin and the people of Oyo that the committee would approach the assignment with dedication, professionalism and a strong sense of responsibility.

Culled from National Insight News. 

How United States provide training on unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to Nigerian forces

The United States is deepening its military partnership with Nigeria by providing training on unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to Nigerian forces, taking advanced drone capabilities to Africa’s third-strongest military as Washington expands its security engagement across the continent.

The latest training took place at Operating Location Bauchi, where US and Nigerian forces are conducting a series of activities designed to share military expertise, strengthen Nigeria's capabilities and improve interoperability between the two countries' forces.

According to the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), one area that generated particular interest was unmanned aircraft systems, with US Army personnel training members of the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces Regiment on their operation and use.

The UAS training was led by US Army Sgt. Mark Murphy, an intelligence analyst assigned to the 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. Murphy trained approximately 10 members of the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces Regiment during a session that began with about 45 minutes of instruction before moving into hands-on training.

Murphy introduced the Nigerian personnel to the system, explained its operation and discussed techniques US personnel have used while employing UAS at Bauchi. After learning the basic controls, the Nigerian personnel were able to operate the aircraft themselves.

“They were really excited with being able to get hands-on time with it,” Murphy said. “They were excited about doing more training with it in the future.”

The training also covered how information collected by UAS can be incorporated into military operations.

“I love training Soldiers,” Murphy said, describing training as one of the main responsibilities of the Army's noncommissioned officer corps.

Other training conducted between the two forces has included combat lifesaver and tactical combat casualty care, weapons familiarisation, camouflage, water treatment and testing, explosive ordnance disposal and small-unit tactics.

The relationship has also extended beyond formal military activities, with US and Nigerian personnel participating in basketball and volleyball when weather and operational commitments allow. AFRICOM said additional training opportunities are being developed at Bauchi.

Nigeria joins wider US military engagement across Africa

This training is part of a broader security cooperation program, which also covers combat care, weapons familiarization, camouflage, and explosive ordnance disposal. (image: Tech. Sgt. Stephanie Serrano)

This training is part of a broader security cooperation program, which also covers combat care, weapons familiarization, camouflage, and explosive ordnance disposal. (image: Tech. Sgt. Stephanie Serrano)

The expanding cooperation with Nigeria comes as the US military continues to deepen specialised partnerships with several African countries.

Culled from Business Insider