The Coalition for United Political Parties (CUPP) in Ogun State has called for greater transparency and accountability regarding the state government’s security expenditure, particularly in light of recent kidnapping incidents that have raised concerns among residents.
In a statement released on Sunday, the coalition expressed concern over the growing insecurity in the state and questioned the effectiveness of security investments allegedly made by the Governor Dapo Abiodun administration.
The coalition referenced two recent high-profile kidnapping cases that have shaken public confidence. On November 28, 2025, six real estate marketers were reportedly abducted in Oyebola Village, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area. According to CUPP, there has been no official update on their whereabouts or any indication of government intervention in securing their release.
More recently, on December 30, 2025, a former member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Maruf Musa, was kidnapped while praying in Ibiade, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, around 8 pm. Although Hon. Musa has now regained freedom, the coalition noted that many similar incidents go unreported due to diminishing public trust in government response mechanisms.
CUPP raised specific questions about security equipment reportedly procured by the state government. The coalition cited the purchase of drones in mid-2023, which, according to their information, have never been deployed operationally despite being acquired over two years ago.
“We have seen photographs of drone acquisitions, but no evidence of their operational deployment,” the statement read. “If these equipment were procured with public funds, citizens deserve to know their current status and why they are not being utilised to combat the rising insecurity.”
The coalition also questioned reports suggesting the drones may have limited operational capacity, particularly regarding night-time surveillance capabilities, which would be crucial for responding to kidnapping incidents that often occur during evening hours.
Security Trust Fund Accountability
Another area of concern highlighted by CUPP is the Security Trust Fund established by the state government. The coalition noted that while the fund was launched with much fanfare, there has been no public disclosure of the total amount generated or detailed reports on how the funds have been utilised.
“Transparency is fundamental to good governance,” CUPP stated. “When citizens contribute to security initiatives, they have a right to know how their contributions are being managed and what tangible results have been achieved.”
The coalition also referenced instances where security vehicles were presented to security agencies in well-publicised ceremonies, but questions have emerged about the actual number and current deployment status of these vehicles.
Given the constitutional responsibility of state governments to support federal security agencies operating within their jurisdictions, CUPP called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct relevant federal security agencies to conduct an inventory of security equipment allegedly procured by the Ogun State government.
“We are not making accusations, but we believe that proper verification and accountability mechanisms will either confirm the state government’s security investments or reveal areas where improvements are needed,” the coalition explained.
The statement specifically requested that federal agencies including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Office of the National Security Adviser, conduct an assessment to reconcile reported security procurements with actual equipment in the possession of security agencies operating in the state.
CUPP also drew attention to historical concerns about security equipment procurement in the state, referencing a 2012 incident involving the acquisition of Armoured Personnel Carriers that were allegedly refurbished equipment presented as new purchases. The coalition emphasised that establishing clear procurement standards and verification processes would prevent such controversies.
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