The Ekiti State Police Command has intensified its security preparedness ahead of the ember months, holding strategic meetings with hoteliers, bank managers and Chief Security Officers (CSOs) across the state.
The meetings, held on Tuesday, were part of measures by the Command to strengthen collaboration with critical stakeholders, identify potential security vulnerabilities and prevent a possible rise in criminal activities during the ember period.
The engagements were held under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Falade Adegoroye Michael, in line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free ember period across the country.
Addressing members of the Hoteliers Association, the Commissioner warned that hotels must not be allowed to become hideouts, operational bases or safe havens for criminals.
He urged hotel owners and managers to remain vigilant and ensure proper checks and profiling of guests before granting them access to their facilities.
The CP also directed hoteliers to maintain appropriate records, strengthen internal security arrangements and closely monitor activities within their premises in accordance with the law.
He called for prompt reporting of suspicious persons, movements and activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency line, 08062335577.
According to him, security is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation and cooperation of all stakeholders.
The Commissioner warned that hoteliers who knowingly allow their establishments to be used by criminal elements would face the full wrath of the law.
Responding, the Chairman of the Hoteliers Association, Hon. Akin Stephen, commended the Police Command for the initiative and its concern for the safety of hotel operators, guests and the general public.
He assured the Command of the association’s readiness to cooperate with the Police and other security agencies to strengthen security in hotels across the state.
The Commissioner also held a separate meeting with bank managers and Chief Security Officers, focusing on the protection of banks, financial institutions, personnel, customers and assets.
CP Falade urged bank officials to adopt proactive security measures and immediately address identified vulnerabilities that could expose their facilities to attacks, robbery and other criminal activities.
He emphasized that security infrastructure, including bank doors, CCTV cameras and security guards, must remain functional and effective at all times.
The CP further stressed the need for strict compliance with approved security standards and procedures in the movement of cash and other valuables.
He called for stronger collaboration and continuous information sharing among financial institutions, their security personnel, the Police and other relevant security agencies.
The Commissioner noted that early warning, credible intelligence and prompt reporting remained critical to preventing criminal activities.
The bank officials, in their response, appreciated the Police Command for the proactive engagement and pledged to strengthen their internal security measures, address identified vulnerabilities and sustain effective information sharing with the Police.
In his closing remarks, CP Falade assured stakeholders that the Command would continue to implement intelligence-led policing, increase visibility patrols, conduct proactive operations and sustain regular engagements with critical stakeholders throughout the ember months.
He reiterated that security was a collective responsibility and urged hoteliers, bankers, CSOs and members of the public to remain vigilant and security-conscious.
The Commissioner called on residents to promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest police station or contact the Command on 08062335577.
The meeting, according to the Command, is part of its broader strategy to ensure that residents, businesses and visitors in Ekiti State enjoy a peaceful and secure ember period.