By Ebinum Samuel
In line with the Ogun State Police Command’s unwavering commitment to proactive policing, intelligence-led crime prevention, and stakeholder-driven security management, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, extended his statewide familiarization tour to the Idiroko and Ilaro Area Commands. The visits provided an opportunity to interface with traditional rulers, local government officials, security agencies, academic institutions, community leaders, and officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, with a view to consolidating existing partnerships and advancing collective responsibility for public safety across the Yewa axis.
The Commissioner of Police, accompanied by members of the Command Management Team and the State Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Comrade Abdullahi Lawal, began the tour at the Idiroko Area Command, where he was received by the Area Commander, ACP Adejumo Segun Michael. Also present were the representative of the Executive Chairman of Ipokia Local Government, Hon. Johnson Avoseh; HRM Oba Sikiru Ishola Adegbola, the Alaye of Oniro-Agude Kingdom; HRM Oba James Ajibola Ajani, the Opo of Idosemo; HRM Oba Azeez Taiwo Adesola, the Oja of Agosasa Kingdom; representatives of sister security agencies; and other respected community stakeholders.
At the commencement of his address, CP Ojajuni expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the late Onipokia of Ipokia Kingdom, describing the revered monarch as a distinguished traditional ruler whose lifetime was dedicated to promoting peace, unity, and development within Ipokia and the entire Yewa axis. He extended the heartfelt condolences of the Ogun State Police Command to the royal family, the people of Ipokia Kingdom, and the Yewa Traditional Council, praying for the peaceful repose of the monarch’s soul and for strength and comfort for all those affected by the loss.
While addressing participants, the Commissioner applauded the people of Idiroko for sustaining harmony within the border community despite its diverse ethnic and religious composition. He cautioned members of the public against circulating false or unverified information capable of causing unnecessary anxiety or undermining public peace. On the observance of traditional festivals, particularly the Oro Festival, CP Ojajuni stressed that cultural practices must be conducted within the bounds of the law and with due regard for the constitutional rights of every citizen. He also commended the impressive level of cooperation among security agencies in the border corridor, describing Operation Kosaye as a practical demonstration of the successes that can be achieved through coordinated inter-agency operations against criminality.
The Commissioner thereafter paid a royal courtesy visit to the palace of HRM Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, Asade Agunloye IV, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, where he was received alongside the Oluwoye of Iwoye, HRM Oba Ololade Makinde, and members of the Council of Chiefs. CP Ojajuni acknowledged the monarch’s remarkable contributions to peace, security, and community development, particularly his support towards the establishment of a befitting base for the 84 Police Mobile Force Squadron. He assured the royal father of the Command’s resolve to sustain effective policing throughout Yewaland and briefed him on the operational milestones already recorded under Operation Kosaye. In his response, the monarch applauded the professionalism, discipline, and dedication of police officers serving across the area and reaffirmed his continued support for the Command.
The Commissioner also visited the Federal University of Technology, Ilaro (FUTI), where he was welcomed by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Akinde Mukail Aremu, FCA, FCTI, ACIS, members of the University’s Management Team, and executives of the Student Union Government. The Acting Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation for the effective security architecture around the institution, noting that it has provided staff and students with a peaceful and conducive academic environment. CP Ojajuni, in his response, commended the University Management for its unwavering support to policing, particularly the donation of a strategically located police post, which has significantly enhanced security within the institution and adjoining communities. He assured the University of sustained police visibility, intelligence-led patrols, and prompt response to security concerns.
As part of the tour, the Commissioner inspected the 84 Police Mobile Force Squadron Base, where he was received by the Commanding Officer, ACP Biliamin Katibi. He assessed the operational facilities and commended the officers and men of the Squadron for their discipline, professionalism, courage, and operational preparedness. He encouraged them to remain vigilant and steadfast in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
The tour concluded at the Ilaro Area Command Headquarters, where CP Ojajuni was received by the Area Commander, ACP Bamidele Job, officers, members of the PCRC, traditional rulers, representatives of sister security agencies, and other stakeholders. CP Bode Ojajuni underscored the importance of sustained synergy, credible intelligence sharing, and active community participation in combating crime, observing that the successes already recorded through Operation Kosaye clearly demonstrate the value of coordinated security operations.
The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed that the Ogun State Police Command remains committed to expanding community-centred policing, deepening strategic partnerships, and deploying intelligence-led policing strategies to effectively address emerging security challenges. He appreciated traditional institutions, local government authorities, educational institutions, security partners, community leaders, and all law-abiding residents whose continuous support remains indispensable to sustaining peace, security, and public confidence across Ogun State.
