The Ogun State Police Command has announced the deployment of over 2,500 security personnel and specialized operational assets across Ijebu Ode and adjoining communities ahead of the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Bode Ojajuni, said the deployment forms part of proactive security measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful, safe, and hitch-free celebration during the annual cultural festival.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the operation involves conventional police officers and tactical units drawn from the Police Mobile Force, SWAT, Violent Crime Response Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Monitoring Unit, Force Intelligence Department, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, Motor Traffic Department, and other specialized units.
The Command disclosed that Armoured Personnel Carriers, patrol vehicles, police motorcycles, surveillance teams, undercover operatives, and rapid response squads have also been strategically deployed to key locations, including the Ojude Oba Pavilion, major highways, hotels, worship centres, markets, recreational centres, motor parks, residential areas, and other public spaces expected to witness heavy human and vehicular movement during the festival.
The police explained that the security arrangement is designed to guarantee effective crowd control, intelligence-led policing, traffic management, anti-crime patrols, visibility policing, early threat detection, and rapid response to emergencies before, during, and after the celebration.
The Commissioner of Police further directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders to remain on maximum alert and sustain aggressive patrols, strategic stop-and-search operations, as well as round-the-clock supervision of personnel deployed for the operation.
Special attention, the Command noted, has been focused on strategic routes such as the Sagamu Interchange, Ijebu Ode–Benin Expressway, Molipa axis, and adjoining communities to prevent criminal activities, traffic obstruction, and any act capable of disrupting public peace.
The statement read “Officers deployed for the operation have been instructed to maintain professionalism, civility, and respect for the rights of law-abiding citizens while carrying out their duties.
“Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers have been mandated to strengthen collaboration with traditional rulers, community leaders, transport unions, event organizers, and other stakeholders to enhance intelligence gathering and ensure seamless security coordination throughout the festival period.
The command warned criminal elements to stay away from the State, stating that it remains fully prepared to decisively deal with anyone attempting to undermine the peaceful atmosphere of the celebration.
