The Oyo State Police Command has stepped up efforts to strengthen community policing through closer collaboration with traditional leaders and grassroots security networks in Ibadan.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, met with Mogajis (family heads), Baales, and members of the Ibadan Peace and Security Initiative to enhance intelligence-sharing and improve public safety.

The meeting, held on 18 April 2026, focused on building trust, improving response times, and integrating local knowledge into policing operations.

Why it matters

Security experts say modern policing increasingly depends on strong ties between law enforcement and local communities.

In many Nigerian cities, including Ibadan, informal intelligence from residents often plays a critical role in preventing crime.

The Ibadan Peace and Security Initiative was set up to support the Nigeria Police Force by providing “credible, timely, and actionable information,” according to stakeholders.

Traditional leaders back police collaboration

The delegation was led by Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, President of all Mogajis in Ibadanland, alongside Mogaji Dr. Nurudeen Akinade and Baale F. D. Ige.

They praised the police for “swift response to distress calls” and ongoing cooperation with community structures.

They also stressed that effective policing relies heavily on local insight.

“The success of modern policing depends significantly on strong community partnership and accurate local intelligence.”

The group referenced remarks by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, who highlighted the importance of local knowledge in tackling security challenges.

Police commend grassroots efforts

Responding, CP Olugbenga welcomed the initiative and praised traditional institutions for their role in maintaining peace.

He said trust and collaboration remain central to effective policing.

“Effective policing thrives on trust, partnership, and timely intelligence sharing.”

The Commissioner also commended the Mogajis for fostering unity between communities and security agencies.

“Know Your DPO” initiative launched

A key outcome of the meeting was the introduction of a “Know Your DPO” programme.

Under the initiative, contact details of Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Area Commanders were shared directly with community leaders.

Officials say this will:

Improve emergency response times

Strengthen communication channels

Enhance grassroots security coordination

Public safety and next steps

The police reiterated their commitment to safeguarding lives and property through proactive strategies and community engagement.

Residents were encouraged to report suspicious activities using official emergency lines.

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Industry & Public Perspective

Security analysts say such partnerships could help bridge the trust gap between citizens and law enforcement.

Community-driven intelligence models have been linked to improved crime detection in urban centres across Nigeria.

However, experts warn that success will depend on sustained engagement and accountability on both sides.

The Lagos State Police Command says it has arrested 23 suspected cultists and recovered five firearms during a series of coordinated raids across multiple parts of the state.

The operations, carried out in Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Okoko, Ilasan, Ogba, and Iju, targeted cult groups and illegal arms networks, according to a statement issued on 17 April 2026.

Police said the raids were part of an ongoing crackdown on cult-related violence, which has raised concerns in several communities.

How the arrests happened

In Ikorodu, four suspects were arrested following intelligence reports linking them to cult activities.

Preliminary findings suggest they are affiliated with the Buccaneers Confraternity, also known as the Sea Lords.

On Lagos Island, nine suspects were detained during a raid on what police described as a criminal hideout.

In Ilasan, five individuals were arrested in connection with the killing of Emmanuel Obioson, a case authorities say is linked to cult rivalry.

Police also arrested one suspect in Okoko allegedly tied to the Eiye Confraternity, who was found in possession of a firearm.

In Ogba and Iju, four more suspects were apprehended over alleged involvement in illegal gatherings, assault, and other violent crimes.

Weapons and items recovered

Police said the recovered items include five locally made pistols, a toy pistol, 15 live cartridges, and three spent cartridges.

Other items recovered include police and army camouflage caps and a jackknife.

Police statement

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos, CP Tijani Fatai, said the command remains committed to tackling cultism and violent crime across the state.

“The Command remains unwavering in its commitment to eradicating cultism and violent crimes,” the statement said.

Residents were urged to support law enforcement by providing timely and credible information through emergency lines.

Why it matters

Cult-related violence has been a recurring security challenge in parts of Lagos, often leading to fatalities, injuries, and disruption of local communities.

Security analysts say coordinated crackdowns like this can disrupt criminal networks but warn that sustained intelligence gathering and community cooperation are key to long-term success.

Industry and public reactions

Security experts say the recovery of firearms highlights the continued circulation of illegal weapons in urban areas.

What’s next

Police say investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of inquiries.

Authorities also signalled that further operations may be carried out in other parts of the state.

The Nigeria Police Force’s Schools Protection Squad (SPS) has been praised by Save the Children for its growing role in improving school safety, strengthening rapid response systems, and supporting safer learning environments across the country.

Why it matters

School attacks and insecurity have disrupted education in parts of Nigeria in recent years, forcing thousands of children out of classrooms.

Efforts like the SPS are seen as critical to restoring confidence in the education system and ensuring children can learn without fear.

Save the Children commends Nigeria Police

The Country Director of Save the Children, Duncan Harvey, gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, SPS, CP Abayomi Shogunle, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

The visit was part of ongoing collaboration between both organisations to strengthen the implementation of the Safe School Declaration in Nigeria.

Harvey said the Squad had played a key role in advancing child protection and improving safety standards in schools nationwide.

“The Squad has been instrumental in advancing Nigeria’s national agenda to address the challenges facing children, while ensuring they learn in safe, secure, and violence-free environments.”

Nigeria gaining global recognition

According to Save the Children, Nigeria is now being recognised globally for its approach to implementing the Safe Schools Declaration.

The organisation disclosed that the country will host international delegates under the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA), who will study Nigeria’s model.

The Schools Protection Squad is expected to showcase its operational strategies and field-level impact during the visit.

International interest grows

Global attention on Nigeria’s progress is also increasing, with Norway expressing interest in the country’s school safety efforts.

Following discussions at the Fifth International Safe Schools Declaration Conference in Kenya, top Norwegian officials are planning a visit to Nigeria.

The delegation is expected to include the State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Norway and the Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Norway.

They will visit the SPS headquarters to gain firsthand insight into its operations.

Police reaffirm commitment

Responding, CP Abayomi Shogunle welcomed the partnership and reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to school safety.

“We remain committed to strengthening school protection, community safety, and sustained collaboration with educational stakeholders.”

The police said ensuring safe and secure schools for all learners remains a national priority.

About Save the Children

Save the Children operates in over 120 countries and has been active in Nigeria since 2001.

The organisation runs programmes focused on child protection, healthcare, resilience building, safe schools, and humanitarian response across 16 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

What’s next

Nigeria is expected to host international delegations in the coming months, further positioning the country as a model for school safety initiatives in Africa.

Experts say sustained collaboration between government, security agencies, and international organisations will be key to maintaining progress.