The newly appointed Osun State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Igbalawole Sotiyo, has urged for professional cooperation between security agencies following a recent confrontation between NSCDC and police personnel in Osogbo. During a courtesy visit to the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police for Zone 11, Patrick Ogong Edung, Sotiyo expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing that disputes among public service personnel must be resolved by senior authorities in line with Public Service Rules, which strictly prohibit physical altercations.

The altercation, which occurred in late October 2024, reportedly involved NSCDC officers halting police operatives from carrying out an arrest in the state capital. According to claims, NSCDC personnel allegedly assaulted two police officers and caused damage to their patrol vehicle. However, the NSCDC countered these accusations, noting that the police officers were not in uniform, making identification difficult and contributing to the misunderstanding.

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During his meeting with AIG Edung, Sotiyo underscored the importance of unity among security agencies, calling on both groups to work collaboratively to ensure peace and order across the state. “Public servants must uphold the law without resorting to physical violence,” Sotiyo stated, adding that higher authorities should handle such conflicts to prevent further disruptions.

AIG Patrick Ogong Edung condemned the incident, describing it as a “public disgrace” that could have been avoided through inter-agency respect and clear communication. He further pledged a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter, as directed by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. Edung reinforced the need for cooperation, stating that the rising security challenges in the region require a united front from all agencies to be effectively addressed.