Ogidi assures staff, students of tight security
By Isaac Lewu
The Acting Director of the Security Unit, University of Ilorin, Mr Paul Ogidi, has assured staff, students and members of the University community that the institution has strengthened its security architecture and remains proactive in safeguarding lives and property on campus.
Mr Ogidi gave this assurance penultimateThursday (March 12, 2026) while speaking with UNILORIN Bulletin in his office.
He explained that the University’s security structure is divided into several operational units including intelligence, investigation, patrol, surveillance and monitoring teams, all of which are working collaboratively to ensure comprehensive security coverage across the campus.
According to him, beyond the commonly known security presence at the University’s main gate and the link road leading to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), several other security beats have been strategically positioned across the campus, particularly along routes that are not formally defined but are frequently used by members of the public as access points.
Mr Ogidi disclosed that the University has intensified collaboration with federal and state security agencies to strengthen security operations. He noted that the institution maintains strong liaison with the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the military and state vigilante groups.
He said the collaboration has become necessary in view of the prevailing security challenges in some parts of the state, especially with the activities of bandits in neighbouring communities, which could potentially push criminal elements towards forest corridors around the University.
The veteran security expert revealed that through joint security operations with the DSS and other agencies, the University recently flushed out some herders who had attempted to settle within the institution’s forest areas after relocating from other communities.
Mr Ogidi added that patrol operations across the University have also been intensified to prevent any security breach, stressing that several strategies have been put in place.
He emphasised that security remains a collective responsibility, noting that the University operates a collaborative security framework involving its permanent security staff and ad hoc security outfits. He identified the ad hoc security groups currently supporting the University’s internal security personnel as the Vigilante Group, the Legion and the Kings Guard, explaining that they operate under the supervision and coordination of the University’s Security Department.
Mr Ogidi clarified that the ad-hoc personnel are deployed to complement existing security arrangements due to the vast expanse of land occupied by the University, while overall supervision remains the responsibility of the institution’s security staff.
The Director commended the University Management for its consistent support to the Security Unit, noting that despite the high cost of security operations, the management has continued to provide essential logistics, equipment and welfare support for personnel.
According to him, the Vice Chancellor has remained accessible and responsive to security concerns, ensuring that necessary measures are taken promptly whenever issues arise.
Mr Ogidi assured members of the University community that the institution remains vigilant and committed to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment. He urged staff and students to remain security conscious and cooperate with security personnel in sustaining the peace and safety currently enjoyed on campus.
