By Peace Udugba
The Ogun State Police Command has announced the deployment of over 2,500 personnel and specialized security assets ahead of the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival, assuring residents and visitors of adequate security and a peaceful celebration across the state.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, said the command had strengthened proactive security measures to guarantee public safety before, during, and after the annual cultural festival in Ijebu Ode.
According to the statement, the deployment includes conventional police officers and tactical teams drawn from the Police Mobile Force (PMF), SWAT, Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Monitoring Unit, Force Intelligence Department, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (EOD-CBRN), Motor Traffic Department (MTD), and other specialized operational units.
The police also deployed Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), patrol vehicles, police motorcycles, surveillance teams, undercover operatives, and rapid response squads to strategic locations across Ijebu Ode and adjoining communities.
The command said security personnel had been stationed at the Ojude Oba Pavilion, major highways, entry and exit points, hotels, worship centres, recreational centres, motor parks, markets, residential areas, and other public places expected to witness heavy human and vehicular traffic during the festival.
The statement noted that the operation was designed to ensure effective crowd control, intelligence-led policing, traffic management, anti-crime patrols, visibility policing, early threat detection, and swift response to security concerns.
CP Ojajuni directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders to remain on maximum alert and sustain aggressive patrols, stop-and-search operations, and round-the-clock supervision of officers within their jurisdictions.
The command added that special operational attention had been placed on strategic routes, including the Sagamu Interchange, Ijebu Ode–Benin Expressway, Molipa axis, and adjoining communities to prevent criminal activities, traffic obstruction, and any disruption of public peace.
The commissioner also instructed officers deployed for the operation to maintain professionalism, civility, and respect for the rights of law-abiding citizens while carrying out their duties.
The police further disclosed that Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers had been directed to strengthen collaboration with traditional rulers, community leaders, transport unions, event organisers, and other stakeholders to enhance intelligence gathering and ensure seamless security coordination throughout the festival.
The command warned criminal elements and troublemakers to stay away from Ogun State, stressing that security operatives were fully prepared to deal decisively with anyone attempting to disrupt the celebration.
Residents, visitors, and festival participants were urged to remain vigilant and security-conscious, while parents and guardians were advised to monitor the activities and movements of their children and wards.
The Ogun State Police Command also appealed to members of the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.
