The new Kwara State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Bala Bodinga, has pledged to strengthen security in the state through enhanced collaboration with other security agencies.

Briefing journalists on Thursday in Ilorin, Bodinga said his priority is to ensure the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, as well as lives and property across the state.

"I am here to ensure the things that need to be put in place for the protection of critical national assets, infrastructure of the state, including lives and properties, are addressed," he said.

He directed that all Jummah services in mosques and Sunday services in churches across the state should henceforth be adequately protected by NSCDC operatives.

"This is to ensure the security of lives and properties in collaboration with other security agencies," he stated.

Bodinga noted that the corps already maintains active synergy with other security agencies and local guards in managing the state's kinetic, scientific, and operational security framework.

"The synergy with other security agencies is active, and we will double our effort to give Kwara and the nation as a whole the best security.

"The operation of NSCDC under my watch is going to be effective. I have already started," he added.

He disclosed that additional officers and personnel have been deployed to parts of Kwara North, including Kaiama Local Government Area, following recent bandit attacks.

"Give me some time, and you will see a new Kwara," the commandant said.

(NAN)