The Ogun State Police Command has deployed more than 2,500 officers across Ijebu Ode and neighbouring communities to ensure adequate security during the 2026 Ojude Oba festival slated for Friday.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday.
According to him, the personnel were drawn from various tactical formations, including the Police Mobile Force, SWAT, Violent Crime Response Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Monitoring Unit and the Force Intelligence Department.
Babaseyi stated that the security arrangement was part of the command’s proactive operational strategy aimed at maintaining law and order during the annual cultural celebration.
He explained that the deployment also includes Armoured Personnel Carriers, patrol vehicles, police motorcycles, surveillance teams, undercover operatives and rapid response squads positioned at strategic locations such as the Ojude Oba Pavilion, major highways, hotels, worship centres, markets, motor parks and residential areas expected to witness heavy movement during the festivities.
According to him, the operation is designed to ensure effective crowd control, intelligence gathering, traffic management, anti-crime patrols, visibility policing and rapid response to emergencies before, during and after the event.
Babaseyi said the Commissioner of Police had directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders to remain on maximum alert and sustain aggressive patrols and stop-and-search operations within their jurisdictions.
He added that special attention had been placed on strategic routes, including the Sagamu Interchange, Ijebu Ode–Benin Expressway and the Molipa axis, to prevent criminal activities and traffic congestion during the festival.
The police spokesperson further stated that officers involved in the operation had been instructed to remain professional and respect the rights of law-abiding residents while discharging their duties.
The command also urged Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to work closely with traditional rulers, community leaders, transport unions and event organisers to strengthen intelligence gathering and ensure smooth coordination throughout the celebration.
The police warned criminal elements to stay away from the state, stressing that security agencies were prepared to deal decisively with anyone attempting to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of the festival.
Residents, visitors and participants were advised to remain security conscious and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.
Babaseyi also urged parents and guardians to monitor the movement and activities of their children and wards during the celebration.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, reassured residents and visitors of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property before, during and after the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
Ojude Oba is an annual cultural festival celebrated by the Ijebu people of Ogun State shortly after Eid-el-Kabir. The event attracts thousands of tourists, dignitaries, traditional rulers and residents from across Nigeria and beyond.
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