Ogun Police deploy 2,500 personnel for Ojude Oba festival security

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

The Ogun State Police Command has deployed over 2,500 police personnel and tactical operatives across Ijebu Ode and adjoining communities ahead of the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival to ensure adequate security and a peaceful celebration.

This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni.

According to the statement, the deployment includes conventional police officers, operatives of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), SWAT, Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (EOD-CBRN), Motor Traffic Department (MTD), Force Intelligence Department, Monitoring Unit, and other specialised operational teams.

The Command stated that Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), patrol vehicles, police motorcycles, surveillance teams, undercover operatives, and rapid response squads have also been strategically positioned at key locations across the state.

The police said security personnel would be stationed at the Ojude Oba Pavilion, highways, entry and exit points, hotels, worship centres, recreational centres, motor parks, markets, and residential areas expected to experience heavy vehicular and human traffic during the festival.

The statement explained that the security arrangement was designed to ensure effective crowd control, intelligence-led policing, anti-crime patrols, visibility policing, traffic management, and prompt response to security threats before, during, and after the celebration.

“The Commissioner of Police has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders to remain on maximum alert and sustain aggressive patrols, strategic stop-and-search operations, and round-the-clock supervision of personnel within their Areas of Responsibility,” the statement said.

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

The Command also urged officers deployed for the operation to maintain professionalism and respect for the rights of law-abiding citizens while carrying out their duties.

It further disclosed that Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers had been directed to collaborate 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 warned criminal elements and troublemakers to stay away from the state, stressing that the Command was prepared to decisively deal with anyone attempting to disrupt public peace during the celebration.

Residents, visitors, and festival participants were advised to remain vigilant and security-conscious, while parents and guardians were urged to monitor the activities and movements of their children and wards.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, reassures residents and visitors of the Command’s unwavering commitment to proactive policing, public safety, and the protection of lives and property across Ogun State,” the statement added.