Maha Christopher
The Ogun State Police Command has deployed more than 2,500 personnel across Ijebu Ode and adjoining communities to provide security during the 2026 Ojude Oba festival scheduled for Friday.
According to The Punch, the spokesperson for the state police command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday.
Babaseyi said the security personnel were drawn from various tactical 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, SWAT, Violent Crime Response Unit, Anti Kidnapping Unit, Monitoring Unit, Force Intelligence Department, and other specialised operational units across Ijebu Ode and adjoining communities,” he said.
He explained that the deployment also includes Armoured Personnel Carriers, patrol vehicles, police motorcycles, surveillance teams, undercover operatives, and rapid response squads strategically positioned at key locations across the state.
According to the police, security operatives would be stationed at the Ojude Oba Pavilion, major highways, entry and exit points, hotels, worship centres, recreational centres, motor parks, markets, and residential areas expected to experience heavy movement during the celebration.
Babaseyi stated that the operation was aimed at ensuring effective crowd control, intelligence led policing, traffic management, anti crime patrols, visibility policing, early threat detection, and rapid response to security concerns 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.
The command also said special attention had been focused on strategic routes including the Sagamu Interchange, Ijebu Ode Benin Expressway, Molipa axis, and adjoining communities to prevent criminal activities and traffic obstruction.
The police further urged officers deployed for the operation to maintain professionalism and respect for the rights of law abiding citizens while carrying out their duties.
Residents, visitors, and participants at the festival were advised to remain security conscious and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police formation.
Ojude Oba is an annual cultural festival celebrated by the Ijebu people of Ogun State shortly after Eid el Kabir and attracts thousands of tourists, dignitaries, traditional rulers, and residents from across Nigeria and beyond.
