Ogun police deploy 2,500 personnel to Ijebu Ode ahead Ojude Oba Festival

By Adejoke Adeleye

The Ogun State Police Command has deployed over 2,500 personnel across Ijebu Ode and adjoining communities ahead of the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival, assuring residents and visitors of robust security and a peaceful celebration.

The Command said the deployment forms part of a proactive operational strategy designed to guarantee public safety, effective crowd management, and uninterrupted festivities during the annual cultural event.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the security arrangement comprises conventional police officers and specialised tactical teams drawn from various units, including 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 operational squads.

According to the Command, security personnel have been strategically stationed at the Ojude Oba Pavilion, major highways, entry and exit points, hotels, worship centres, recreational facilities, motor parks, markets, residential areas, and other locations expected to witness heavy vehicular and human traffic during the festival.

The police also deployed Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), patrol vehicles, motorcycles, surveillance teams, undercover operatives, and rapid response squads to strengthen security operations throughout the festival period.

The Command stated that the operation would focus on intelligence-led policing, anti-crime patrols, visibility policing, traffic control, early threat detection, and swift response to any security breaches before, during, and after the celebration.

Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders to remain on maximum alert and intensify patrols, stop-and-search operations, and constant supervision of officers within their jurisdictions.

Special attention, the Command added, has been placed on strategic routes such as the Sagamu Interchange, Ijebu Ode–Benin Expressway, Molipa axis, and neighbouring communities to prevent criminal activities and traffic congestion capable of disrupting public peace.

The police further instructed officers deployed for the operation to maintain professionalism and respect the rights of law-abiding citizens while carrying out their duties.

The Command also 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.

Warning criminal elements to stay away from Ogun State during the festivities, the Command declared that it remained fully prepared to decisively deal with anyone attempting to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of the celebration.

Residents, visitors, and festival participants were advised to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police formation or through the Command’s emergency lines.

The Commissioner of Police reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to proactive policing and the protection of lives and property across the state.