Segun Atanda/
The Ogun State Police Command has rolled out a massive security operation ahead of the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival, deploying more than 2,500 personnel, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), surveillance teams, and specialised tactical operatives across Ijebu Ode and adjoining communities to ensure a peaceful celebration.
The Command said the elaborate security arrangement was part of proactive measures approved by the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, to guarantee public safety, effective crowd management, and uninterrupted festivities during the globally celebrated cultural event.
According to a statement issued today by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the deployment covers conventional police officers and tactical teams drawn 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 statement disclosed that the operation would also feature patrol vehicles, police motorcycles, undercover operatives, rapid response squads, and surveillance teams strategically stationed at the Ojude Oba Pavilion, major highways, entry and exit points, hotels, worship centres, markets, motor parks, recreational centres, and residential areas expected to experience heavy human and vehicular traffic during the festival.
The police said the deployment was designed to strengthen intelligence-led policing, anti-crime patrols, visibility policing, traffic control, early threat detection, and rapid response to any security threat before, during, and after the annual cultural celebration.
Ojajuni directed 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 within their jurisdictions.
Special operational focus, the Command noted, has been placed on critical routes such as the Sagamu Interchange, Ijebu Ode–Benin Expressway, Molipa axis, and adjoining communities to forestall criminal activities, traffic gridlock, and any attempt to disrupt public peace.
The Commissioner of Police also ordered officers deployed for the operation to maintain professionalism, civility, and respect for the rights of law-abiding residents while carrying out their duties.
The Command added that security collaboration had been strengthened with traditional rulers, transport unions, community leaders, event organisers, and other stakeholders to enhance intelligence gathering and ensure seamless coordination throughout the festival period.
Warning criminals and troublemakers to steer clear of Ogun State during the celebration, the police declared that the Command remained fully prepared to decisively deal with any person or group attempting to undermine the peaceful atmosphere of the festival.
Residents, visitors, and festival participants were urged to remain vigilant and security-conscious, while parents and guardians were advised to closely monitor their children and wards.
The Command further appealed to members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities through the police emergency lines, including the toll-free Gateway Shield number, 0800 000 9111.
Ojajuni reassured residents and visitors of the Command’s commitment to proactive policing and the protection of lives and property across the state during the festival.
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