By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Police boss, Ibrahim Gotan, has ordered the immediate commencement of round-the-clock surveillance and patrol operations across the state to strengthen security during the ongoing Lenten season and the holy month of Ramadan.
The directive aims at enhancing visibility policing, preventing criminal activities, and ensuring that residents observe the sacred periods in a peaceful and secure environment.
To implement the order, all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and heads of tactical formations have been instructed to deploy adequate personnel and logistics to strategic locations, flashpoints, and other identified vulnerable spots within their jurisdictions.
They are also expected to intensify intelligence gathering and maintain rapid response capabilities to any security threats.
Officers have further been mandated to remain vigilant at their duty posts while closely monitoring movements of persons and vehicles entering and leaving the state.
The command stressed that proactive policing and sustained patrols would serve as deterrence against criminal elements seeking to exploit the festive period.
The development comes on the heels of a recent security measure by the police command in which operatives were deployed to border communities and villages following concerns over possible infiltration by hoodlums through porous boundaries.
The strategy, the command noted, has helped strengthen border security and reassure residents.
CP Gotan, described as a firm advocate of proactive policing, urged officers to demonstrate professionalism and dedication in the discharge of their duties, warning against any conduct capable of undermining public trust or the integrity of the force.
He emphasised that discipline, respect for human rights, and community engagement must remain central to the operation.
The police chief also appealed to residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid in crime prevention and detection.
He noted that effective policing is a collective responsibility and encouraged community leaders, religious groups, and transport operators to remain vigilant and cooperative.
Checks by our correspondent indicate increased police visibility in several parts of the state capital, Osogbo, particularly around busy areas such as Ola-Iya and other major routes, where patrol teams were seen conducting stop-and-search operations and routine monitoring.
Security stakeholders believe the intensified operations will not only safeguard worshippers and residents during the fasting period but also reinforce public confidence in the state’s security architecture as socio-religious activities continue across communities.
