The Ogun State Police Command has deployed more than 2,500 officers across Ijebu Ode and surrounding communities to provide security for the 2026 Ojude Oba cultural festival scheduled for Friday.
The command said the deployment is part of proactive measures to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free celebration of the annual event, which attracts thousands of participants from within and outside Nigeria.
The spokesperson of the command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday.
He explained that the officers were drawn from multiple tactical and intelligence units, including the Police Mobile Force, SWAT, Violent Crime Response Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Monitoring Unit, and the Force Intelligence Department.
“In line with this proactive operational strategy, the Command has deployed over 2,500 police personnel, including conventional 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, and other specialized operational units across Ijebu Ode and adjoining communities where the festival will be celebrated within Ogun State,” Babaseyi stated.
He added that the security arrangement also includes armoured personnel carriers, patrol vehicles, motorcycles, surveillance teams, undercover operatives, and rapid response squads positioned at strategic locations such as the Ojude Oba Pavilion, highways, entry and exit points, hotels, markets, worship centres, and other high-traffic areas.
According to him, the deployment is aimed at ensuring effective crowd control, intelligence-led policing, traffic management, and quick response to any security challenges before, during, and after the festival.
“The Commissioner of Police has directed all 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 of personnel within their Areas of Responsibility,” he added.
He further noted that special attention would be given to key routes such as the Sagamu Interchange, Ijebu Ode–Benin Expressway, and Molipa axis to prevent criminal activities and ensure smooth movement of people and vehicles.
Babaseyi also emphasized that officers have been instructed to carry out their duties professionally while respecting the rights of law-abiding citizens.
He called for collaboration between the police and traditional rulers, community leaders, transport unions, and event organisers to strengthen intelligence sharing and ensure coordinated security efforts.
“The command warned criminal elements to stay away from the state, stressing that it is fully prepared to deal decisively with anyone attempting to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of the celebration,” the statement read.
Residents and visitors were also urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police formation or emergency contacts as the festival approaches.
