The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, on Tuesday reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to sustaining the fight against kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes across Ogun East, urging traditional rulers, community leaders, market associations, security agencies, hunters, vigilantes, the media and residents to strengthen collaboration in protecting lives and property.
The Commissioner made the call during a stakeholders’ security meeting held at the Ijebu-Ode Area Command Headquarters, where he was received by security chiefs, traditional and market leaders, community stakeholders and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The meeting focused on reviewing the security situation in Ogun East, assessing the gains recorded under Operation KOSAYE, and charting new strategies to consolidate peace across the senatorial district.
Welcoming the Commissioner, the Area Commander, Ijebu-Ode Area Command, ACP Adesoye Yusuf, PSC, described the visit as a demonstration of purposeful leadership and the Inspector-General of Police’s resolve to ensure that every part of Ogun State benefits from improved policing.
He explained that the Ijebu-Ode Area Command, comprising the Obalende, Ijebu-Ife, Ilese, Omu and Odogbolu Divisions, had witnessed significant improvements in security through intelligence-led policing, regular patrols and strong community engagement.
According to him, incidents of kidnapping have reduced considerably, while armed robbery has virtually disappeared within the metropolis.
He noted that the few isolated criminal activities recently recorded around some school environments were already under investigation, adding that the command had established collaboration with school authorities to dismantle the criminal networks responsible.
ACP Yusuf appealed to the Commissioner to strengthen the operational capacity of the Area Command through the provision of additional patrol vehicles, personnel and logistics to enhance rapid response across the area.
He assured the Commissioner that officers and men under his command would continue to uphold professionalism, discipline, respect for human rights and intelligence-driven policing.
Responding, the Commissioner thanked stakeholders for the impressive turnout, describing it as evidence of the people’s unwavering commitment to the security of Ogun East.
He explained that the visit was primarily to appreciate residents and security stakeholders for their invaluable support during Operation KOSAYE, the joint security initiative launched by the Ogun State Government in collaboration with the Lagos State Government to flush criminal elements out of forests and border communities.
According to him, the operation covered Ijebu East, Iwopin, Abigi, the Ogun-Ondo boundary communities and several forest corridors previously used as hideouts by kidnappers and other criminal gangs.
The police boss praised the cooperation among the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ogun State Amotekun Corps, hunters, vigilante groups, traditional rulers and community leaders, noting that the partnership had resulted in the rescue of kidnapped victims and the restoration of confidence among residents.
He disclosed that members of the Ijebu diaspora also contributed to the operation by providing drone technology used during one of the rescue missions, describing the gesture as a remarkable demonstration of patriotism and commitment to the security of their homeland.
The Commissioner equally commended Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for providing the logistical and financial support that made the operation successful.
According to him, more than 80 suspects have already been charged to court, while several kidnapped victims have regained their freedom.
He stressed that Operation KOSAYE would remain a continuous exercise, with security agencies maintaining sustained surveillance across forests and previously occupied criminal camps to prevent the return of kidnappers.
“We cannot afford to go to sleep. We must remain vigilant. Members of the public remain our greatest source of intelligence, and we need your continued support to sustain the gains we have recorded,” he said.
The Commissioner warned residents against collaborating with criminal elements, noting that investigations have shown that kidnappers often receive assistance from individuals within the communities where they operate.
He also cautioned against ethnic profiling, insisting that criminality should never be associated with any tribe.
Drawing from his experience as a former Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officer and now Commissioner of Police, he revealed that many kidnapping suspects arrested across the country were Nigerians from different ethnic backgrounds, including indigenes of Ogun State.
“Crime is crime, criminality is criminality and a criminal is a criminal. We should stop labelling any particular tribe as criminal,” he declared.
He urged residents to continue supplying credible intelligence through Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and other recognised police channels, assuring them that every piece of information would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner described the media and other stakeholders as indispensable partners in community policing.
He said the engagement enabled the command to review security developments, identify emerging threats and receive valuable suggestions from stakeholders.
“The stakeholders are our fundamental and very important partners. Without stakeholders, the police cannot function effectively. We are on the same side, and together we will continue to ensure that Ogun East remains peaceful and secure,” he said.
Assessing his relationship with stakeholders, the Commissioner described it as “fantastic, excellent and superb.”
On concerns over tinted vehicle permits, he clarified that the permit system remains valid but should only be used by individuals with certified medical conditions affecting their eyesight.
He warned that indiscriminate use of tinted glass for luxury or status poses security risks because officers on patrol cannot easily identify occupants of such vehicles.
The Commissioner concluded by assuring residents that the Ogun State Police Command would continue to provide professional policing while working closely with communities to guarantee lasting peace and security across Ogun East.
Among those present at the stakeholders’ meeting were the Area Commander, Ijebu-Ode Area Command, ACP Adesoye Yusuf, PSC; Commander Yemi Odukoya; the Area 2 Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), ACC D.O. Adeniji; the Divisional Officer of the NSCDC, CSP Adeniyi Gbenga; the Commander of the Ogun State Amotekun Corps, Commander Balogun Aliu, alongside members of his entourage; the Babaloja of New Market, Alhaji Amuludun Jamiu; the Iyaloja of Olabisi Onabanjo New Market, Chief Mrs. Oloruntele; traditional rulers, community leaders, representatives of sister security agencies, vigilante groups, hunters and members of the media.
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