The Ogun State Police Command has announced the deployment of more than 2,500 security personnel across Ijebu Ode and surrounding communities as part of extensive preparations for the 2026 Ojude Oba festival.
The command said the large-scale security operation is aimed at ensuring a peaceful and hitch-free celebration during one of Nigeria’s most prominent cultural festivals, which attracts thousands of visitors from across the country and abroad every year.
In a statement released on Thursday, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, revealed that the personnel were drawn from several tactical and intelligence units within the Nigeria Police Force. These include the Police Mobile Force, SWAT, Violent Crime Response Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Monitoring Unit, Force Intelligence Department, and other specialized operational teams.
According to the statement, the security deployment covers key areas within Ijebu Ode and neighboring communities expected to witness heavy human and vehicular movement throughout the festival period.
The police also confirmed the deployment of Armoured Personnel Carriers, patrol vehicles, motorcycles, undercover operatives, surveillance teams, and rapid response squads. These assets have been strategically positioned at major locations such as the Ojude Oba Pavilion, highways, hotels, worship centres, recreational facilities, motor parks, markets, and residential areas.
Babaseyi explained that the operation is designed to strengthen crowd control, intelligence gathering, anti-crime patrols, traffic management, and rapid emergency response before, during, and after the festival.
He added that the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, had directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and tactical unit leaders to remain on maximum alert throughout the celebration.
The command also placed special security focus on strategic routes including the Sagamu Interchange, Ijebu Ode–Benin Expressway, Molipa axis, and nearby communities to prevent criminal activities and traffic disruptions during the festivities.
While assuring residents and visitors of adequate security, the police emphasized that officers deployed for the assignment had been instructed to maintain professionalism, civility, and respect for the rights of law-abiding citizens.
The command further disclosed that Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers had been directed to collaborate closely with traditional rulers, transport unions, community leaders, event organisers, and other stakeholders to strengthen intelligence gathering and ensure smooth coordination throughout the event.
The police also issued a warning to criminal elements, urging them to stay away from Ogun State during the festival period. Authorities stressed that the command is fully prepared to deal decisively with anyone attempting to disrupt public peace.
Residents, tourists, and festival participants were advised to remain security conscious and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines. Parents and guardians were also encouraged to monitor the activities of their children and wards during the celebrations.
CP Bode Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s commitment to proactive policing and the protection of lives and property during the Eid-el-Kabir season and the Ojude Oba festivities.
Ojude Oba is a globally recognized cultural festival celebrated annually by the Ijebu people of Ogun State shortly after Eid-el-Kabir. The colorful event is known for its rich display of Yoruba culture, fashion, horse-riding processions, and gatherings of dignitaries, tourists, and traditional leaders from different parts of the world.
Discover more from Scoop Hub
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
