Security Chiefs conduct joint operational assessment, show of force along Ogun–Ondo border

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

Security chiefs in Ogun State, alongside the Security Consultant to Governor Dapo Abiodun, on Saturday conducted a high-level joint operational assessment and show of force across the Ogun–Ondo border corridor as part of renewed efforts to reinforce security, sustain the gains of Operation Kosaye and combat crime within the axis.

The exercise, coordinated by the Ogun State Police Command, covered the Ogun Waterside corridor, including Iwopin, Abigi and Ibiade, extending from Itele-Ijebu to the boundary with Ondo State.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the joint operation brought together the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni; the Security Consultant to the Ogun State Governor, retired Commissioner of Police Edward Ajogun; the Commander, 35 Artillery Brigade, Brig.-Gen. J.O. Onu; the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Ogun State Command, R.A. Adelakun; the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ogun State Command, Commandant Remilekun Omolade Ekundayo; the Commander of the Ogun State Security Network (Amotekun Corps), Brig.-Gen. Alade Adedigba (Rtd.); the State Commander of So-Safe Corps, Dr Soji Ganzallo; and the executive chairmen of Ijebu East, Ijebu North East and Ogun Waterside Local Government Areas.

The statement said the assessment team traversed the Ijebu Ode–Ore Expressway from Ijebu Ode through J2, J3, J4, Itele, Atoyo, Agerige, Ogbere, Ibiade, Iwopin and Abigi before terminating at Ajebandele, the boundary community between Ogun and Ondo states, where a comprehensive assessment of the security environment was conducted.

It explained that the joint security team carried out an extensive assessment of critical locations and vulnerable areas along the corridor, evaluated the prevailing security situation, reviewed operational requirements and examined the terrain and environmental factors influencing security operations within the axis.

According to the statement, the exercise also strengthened inter-agency coordination and provided an opportunity for the security agencies to engage relevant stakeholders to enhance intelligence gathering and promote community participation in crime prevention.

The Police Command noted that the show of force was aimed at reassuring residents, commuters and other road users of the readiness of security agencies to protect lives and property, sustain security dominance within the corridor and respond promptly to emerging security threats.

It added that the operation equally sent a clear message that the Ogun–Ondo border corridor remains under continuous dominance and coordinated inter-agency security monitoring.

Commending the cooperation among participating security agencies, government officials and other critical stakeholders, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to strengthening collaborative security efforts across the state.

“The Command remains committed to sustaining joint operations, strengthening intelligence sharing, leveraging modern policing technology and deepening collaboration with communities to prevent crime and enhance public safety across Ogun State,” Ojajuni said.

The police commissioner also urged residents to remain security conscious, vigilant and continue to provide timely, credible and actionable information to security agencies.

According to him, “Effective security is best achieved through a strong partnership between law enforcement agencies and the public.”

The Police Command advised residents to make use of its toll-free Gateway Shield line and other emergency numbers to report suspicious activities and obtain prompt security assistance.