By Stephen Simon
The police has announced massive security deployments ahead of the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival, assuring residents and visitors of adequate protection and a peaceful celebration across the state.
The Command disclosed that more than 2,500 police personnel, including conventional officers and tactical operatives, have been mobilised to strategic locations within and adjoining communities for the annual cultural festival.
Police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the deployment was in line with the proactive security strategy of the Commissioner of Police, .
According to him, the operation involves personnel 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 specialised units.
The Command also deployed Armoured Personnel Carriers, patrol vehicles, police motorcycles, surveillance teams, undercover operatives, and rapid response squads to major locations expected to witness heavy human and vehicular movement during the festival.
Such locations include the Ojude Oba Pavilion, major highways, entry and exit points, hotels, worship centres, recreational facilities, motor parks, markets, and residential areas.
Babaseyi explained that the security arrangement was designed to ensure effective crowd control, intelligence-led policing, traffic management, anti-crime patrols, visibility policing, early threat detection, and swift response to emergencies before, during, and after the celebration.
The Commissioner of Police directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders to remain on maximum alert while sustaining aggressive patrols, strategic stop-and-search operations, and round-the-clock monitoring of personnel within their jurisdictions.
Special attention, according to the Command, has also been placed on strategic routes including the Sagamu Interchange, Ijebu Ode–Benin Expressway, Molipa axis, and adjoining communities to prevent criminal activities and traffic disruptions.
The police further 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 Command added that Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers had been mandated to strengthen collaboration with traditional rulers, community leaders, transport unions, event organisers, and other stakeholders to enhance intelligence gathering and seamless security coordination.
Warning criminal elements to stay away from the state during the festivities, the police said the Command remained fully prepared to decisively deal with any person or group attempting to disrupt public peace.
Residents, visitors, and participants at the festival were also urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
The police advised parents and guardians to monitor the activities and movements of their children and wards throughout the celebration period.
CP Ojajuni reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to proactive policing, public safety, and the protection of lives and property across Ogun State.
