Splash FM 19th anniversary public lecture; Former AIG Alapini Advocates Intelligence-Led Policing to Stem Rising Insecurity -

Former Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Chief Tunji Alapini, has called for a fundamental shift in Nigeria’s security architecture, urging authorities to embrace intelligence-led policing, strengthen inter-agency collaboration and deepen community participation to effectively tackle the country’s growing insecurity.

Alapini made the call while delivering the keynote lecture at the 19th anniversary celebration of Splash FM 105.5 and the 87th birthday of the Ekerin Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Murtala Adebayo Akande, held at the Trenchard Hall of the University of Ibadan.

Speaking on the theme, “Rising Insecurity in the Land: Trends, Drivers, Regional Dynamics in the Southwest, and Expectations from Stakeholders,” the retired police chief described security as the bedrock of national development, warning that no society can thrive where lives and property are constantly under threat.

He stressed that Nigeria’s security challenges have evolved beyond isolated incidents to include terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime, cultism, communal conflicts, arms trafficking and organised criminal networks, insisting that preventive intelligence gathering must replace the current reactionary approach.

According to Alapini, the South-West, once regarded as one of the country’s safest regions, is increasingly experiencing highway kidnappings, forest-related crimes and cult violence, while Oyo State’s strategic position as a transit corridor makes it particularly susceptible to criminal activities.

He attributed the worsening insecurity to youth unemployment, economic hardship, poor intelligence coordination, corruption, delays in the justice system, proliferation of illegal arms and porous borders.

The former AIG recommended the establishment of structured community intelligence networks, wider deployment of surveillance technology, hotspot policing, improved emergency response systems and stronger collaboration among security agencies.

He also advocated enhanced security along highways and forest corridors, speedy prosecution of violent crimes and sustained investment in youth empowerment.

Alapini urged governments at all levels to increase investment in policing, strengthen border security and provide sustainable funding for security reforms.

He also charged civil society organisations, the private sector and citizens to support security efforts through civic education, surveillance initiatives, job creation and timely reporting of suspicious activities.

Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Biodun Ladepo, underscored the need for collective responsibility in addressing insecurity, noting that government alone cannot win the fight without the active support of citizens.

In his remarks, the Ekerin Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Murtala Adebayo Akande, whose speech was delivered by his son, Mr. Bayo Akande Jr., expressed gratitude to God for the grace to celebrate his 87th birthday.

He reflected on the 19-year journey of Splash FM, saying the station was established to promote credibility, integrity and development through responsible broadcasting.

The monarch encouraged young Nigerians to focus on becoming useful to society rather than chasing quick success, stressing that character and integrity remain the greatest assets anyone can possess.

Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of WestMidlands Communications Limited, Mrs. Atinuke Adetunji, represented by the General Manager, Mr. Tunde Olawuwo, reaffirmed Splash FM’s commitment to ethical journalism, saying the station would continue to uphold professionalism, credibility and responsible broadcasting.

Highlight of the ceremony was the cutting of the anniversary cake and rendition of traditional chants of praise to extol the virtues of Oba Adebayo Akande.