The Ogun State Police Command has deployed over 2,500 personnel across Ijebu Ode and neighbouring communities to provide security during the 2026 Ojude Oba festival scheduled for Friday.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday.

According to him, 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 (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,” the statement read.

The command said the deployment also includes Armoured Personnel Carriers, patrol vehicles, police motorcycles, surveillance teams, undercover operatives and rapid response squads stationed at strategic locations.

These locations include the Ojude Oba Pavilion, major highways, entry and exit points, hotels, worship centres, recreational centres, motor parks, markets and residential areas expected to witness heavy movement during the festival.

Babaseyi explained that the operation was designed to ensure effective crowd control, intelligence gathering, traffic management, anti-crime patrols and rapid response to security threats before, during and after the celebration.

He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, had directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and tactical commanders to remain on maximum alert throughout the period.

“Special operational attention has also been focused on strategic routes, including the Sagamu Interchange, Ijebu Ode–Benin Expressway, Molipa axis, and adjoining communities, to prevent criminal activities, traffic obstruction, and any act capable of disrupting public peace,” he stated.

The police also warned criminal elements to stay away from the state, stressing that the command was prepared to deal decisively with anyone attempting to disrupt the festival.

Residents, visitors and festival participants were urged to remain law-abiding and report suspicious activities to security agencies.

Ojude Oba is an annual cultural festival celebrated by the Ijebu people of Ogun State shortly after Eid-el-Kabir and attracts tourists, dignitaries and traditional rulers from across Nigeria and beyond.