By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Police Command has warned criminal elements planning to perpetrate crimes in the state to desist immediately or be ready to face the full weight of the law.
Simultaneously, the command has commenced a statewide “Operation Show of Force” aimed at strengthening security and sustaining the relative peace being enjoyed across the state.
The state’s police boss, Mr. Ibrahim Gotan, issued the warning on Wednesday while speaking with our correspondent in his office at the State Police Headquarters in Osogbo.
According to the police chief, the command has deployed tactical squads and operational teams to several identified flashpoints and strategic locations across the state as part of proactive measures to deter criminal activities and reassure residents of their safety.
Gotan explained that the security exercise, which involves a 24-hour visibility policing strategy, was designed to prevent any possible breakdown of law and order, particularly at a time when security agencies across the country are intensifying efforts to curb emerging security threats.
He noted that residents may notice increased police presence in many parts of Osogbo metropolis and other major towns in the state, stressing that the development should not cause panic but rather reassure citizens that the command remains committed to protecting lives and property.
“The Osun State Police Command has commenced a 24-hour ‘Operation Show of Force’ across the state. Tactical squads and operational units have been strategically deployed to flashpoints and other critical areas,” the commissioner said.
“The essence of this operation is to ensure that criminal elements do not find any safe haven within the state. It is also to reassure the people of Osun that the police and other security agencies are fully prepared to maintain peace and security.”
Gotan stated that the command had adopted the philosophy of visibility policing, a strategy that involves the deployment of armed officers and patrol teams to public places, highways, and strategic locations in order to deter potential criminals from carrying out unlawful activities.
He explained that such proactive policing measures have proven effective in discouraging hoodlums and other criminal elements from engaging in acts capable of disturbing public peace.
“As you can see, our officers are visible in many strategic locations across the state, especially within Osogbo metropolis. Their presence is meant to deter hoodlums and other criminal elements from carrying out nefarious activities,”
The commissioner further revealed that the command has intensified border patrols and surveillance in communities sharing boundaries with neighbouring states, noting that such areas could sometimes serve as entry points for criminals attempting to infiltrate the state.
According to him, the police are determined to prevent any possible invasion of criminals who may be looking for opportunities to perpetrate crimes within the state.
“You know that security challenges in some parts of the country have made it necessary for security agencies to be more proactive. We are taking precautionary measures to ensure that criminals do not take advantage of any situation to infiltrate Osun State,” Gotan explained.
“Our officers are conducting regular patrols and surveillance operations along our border communities and highways. The goal is to prevent criminals from entering the state by reaping what they did not sow.”
While acknowledging that Osun State has remained relatively peaceful compared to some other parts of the country, the police commissioner emphasized that the command would not relent in its efforts to ensure that the state continues to enjoy stability and security.
He said the police would leave no stone unturned in protecting the lives and property of residents, stressing that security agencies are working tirelessly to maintain law and order.
“Osun has been relatively peaceful, and we intend to keep it that way. We are not taking anything for granted. Our officers are on ground around the clock to ensure that every resident can sleep with both eyes closed,” he said.
Gotan also disclosed that the police command is strengthening collaboration with other security agencies as well as local security structures in various towns and villages across the state.
He said such partnerships have been instrumental in improving intelligence gathering and enhancing the effectiveness of security operations.
According to him, the police are working closely with local vigilante groups, community leaders and other stakeholders to ensure that security threats are quickly identified and addressed before they escalate.
“Security is a collective responsibility. We are partnering with relevant security agencies and local security apparatus across communities in the state.
Through these collaborations, we have been able to make significant progress in our crime prevention and enforcement efforts,” the police chief said.
He also urged residents of the state to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could help in preventing crimes.
Gotan encouraged members of the public not to hesitate in reporting suspicious movements or activities in their neighbourhoods to the nearest police station or security formation.
The commissioner assured residents that the police would respond promptly to any information provided by members of the public and would continue to improve operational strategies aimed at safeguarding communities.
He further called on law-abiding citizens to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear, assuring them that adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure their safety.
“We want to assure the good people of Osun State that there is no cause for alarm. They should go about their lawful and legitimate businesses without fear of intimidation or harassment,” he said.
“The police command remains committed to ensuring that the state remains safe and secure for everyone.”
