Ogun police deploy 2,500 personnel for Ojude Oba festival

The police command in Ogun has deployed over 2,500 personnel and specialised operational assets to ensure adequate security and peaceful conduct during the 2026 Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu-Ode.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Bode Ojajuni, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abeokuta by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi.

Ojajuni said the deployment formed part of proactive security measures put in place by the command to guarantee public safety and hitch-free celebration during the annual cultural festival.

According to him, the personnel comprise conventional police officers and tactical teams drawn from the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), and other specialised units.

He added that Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), patrol vehicles, police motorcycles, surveillance teams, undercover operatives, and rapid response squads had also been strategically deployed across Ijebu-Ode and adjoining communities.

He explained that security personnel would be 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 locations.

He said that the operation was aimed at ensuring effective crowd control, intelligence-led policing, traffic management, anti-crime patrols, visibility policing, early threat detection, and swift response to security concerns.

The police commissioner noted that all area commanders, divisional police officers, and tactical commanders had been directed to remain on maximum alert and sustain aggressive patrols and strategic stop-and-search operations.

He added that special operational attention had been focused on strategic routes, including the Sagamu Interchange, Ijebu Ode-Benin motorway, Molipa axis, and adjoining communities, to prevent criminal activities and traffic obstruction.

He directed officers deployed for the operation to maintain professionalism, civility, and respect for the rights of law-abiding citizens while discharging their duties.

He said the command had strengthened 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 period.

The police boss warned criminal elements and troublemakers to stay away from the state, stressing the command’s readiness to deal with anyone attempting to disrupt public peace during the celebration.

He appealed to residents, visitors, and festival participants to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and security-conscious throughout the period.

Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s commitment to proactive policing, public safety, and the protection of lives and property across Ogun State. (NAN)

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