The Ogun State Police Command, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), traditional rulers and other stakeholders have renewed calls for stronger community policing as part of efforts to tackle rising security threats across the state.

The appeal came during a security summit held in Remoland on Wednesday, hosted by the National Golden Patron of the PCRC, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking. The event brought together Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Olubode Ojajuni, senior police officers, traditional rulers, heads of security agencies, community leaders and members of the public.

The meeting focused on crimes affecting many Nigerian communities, including kidnapping, cultism, ritual killings, illegal arms trafficking and cybercrime.

Why it matters

Nigeria has witnessed growing concerns over violent crime and insecurity in different parts of the country, prompting renewed emphasis on intelligence-led policing and stronger cooperation between residents and security agencies.

Security experts have repeatedly argued that community policing works best when residents trust law enforcement enough to report suspicious activities early and when security agencies respond promptly to credible intelligence.

The Remoland summit reflects that broader national conversation, although participants did not announce any new operational strategy or policy changes.

Calls for shared responsibility

Addressing participants, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking said effective security requires active participation from both citizens and law enforcement agencies.

According to him, “Security is far too important to be left to the Police alone. Every citizen has a role to play in safeguarding our communities. This is the vision upon which the PCRC was founded.”

He described the PCRC slogan, “PCRC… Peace to the Nation,” as a reminder that sustainable peace depends on intelligence sharing, community policing and mutual trust between residents and security agencies.

Emmanuelking also commended the Inspector-General of Police for promoting community policing nationwide and praised Ogun State Commissioner of Police Olubode Ojajuni for engaging directly with community stakeholders.

Stakeholders exchange security concerns

During the interactive session, traditional rulers, community leaders and security professionals discussed local security concerns with the Commissioner of Police.

The discussions centred on improving intelligence gathering, preventing crime before it occurs and strengthening public confidence in law enforcement.

Participants agreed that closer collaboration among the police, traditional institutions, the PCRC and residents remains essential to addressing evolving security challenges.

Expert perspective

Security analysts have consistently maintained that community policing can only succeed when communities have confidence that information they provide will be treated confidentially and acted upon.

They also note that sustained investment in police training, technology, emergency response and public trust is necessary for community-based policing initiatives to produce lasting results.

Public perspective

For many residents, the effectiveness of community policing will ultimately be measured by whether it leads to fewer kidnappings, quicker police response times and safer neighbourhoods.

Community leaders at similar security engagements have frequently urged residents to report suspicious movements while calling on authorities to ensure reports are investigated promptly.

What happens next?

The summit ended with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to deeper collaboration, improved intelligence sharing and continued engagement between communities and security agencies.

Whether those commitments translate into measurable reductions in crime will depend largely on sustained implementation and continued cooperation between residents and law enforcement.

The Ogun State Police Command says it has arrested 16 suspects in a series of intelligence-led operations across the state, recovering stolen vehicles, petroleum products, a motorcycle and other exhibits as part of its ongoing Operation KOSAYE offensive against crime.

The latest operations, carried out in different parts of Ogun State, targeted suspected illegal petroleum dealers, infrastructure vandals, burglars, thieves and a suspect accused of defiling an 11-year-old girl.

Police said the arrests demonstrate the Command’s renewed focus on intelligence gathering, forensic investigation and rapid response under the strategic policing agenda of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the operational leadership of Ogun State Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni.

Why it matters

The latest arrests come amid growing concerns over the economic and security impact of petroleum theft, vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure and property crimes across Nigeria.

Security experts say attacks on critical infrastructure increase operating costs for businesses, disrupt communication services and discourage investment, while fuel theft contributes to economic losses and environmental risks.

For residents, the police operations are expected to improve public safety, although analysts note that sustained prosecution, community intelligence and judicial efficiency will ultimately determine whether the crackdown produces long-term results.

Diesel bunkering suspect arrested

One of the biggest operations took place in Abule-Iroko, Sango, where operatives of the Command’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit arrested a 51-year-old suspect, Kabiru Afolabi, following intelligence on an alleged diesel bunkering syndicate.

Police recovered four drums of suspected Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), thirteen 25-litre jerry cans containing suspected diesel, a pumping machine and a generator allegedly used in the operation.

Investigators say efforts are continuing to identify and arrest other members of the suspected syndicate.

Police target infrastructure vandals

The Command also announced the arrest of two suspects allegedly caught vandalising telecommunications cables in Ota after detectives responded to information provided by a member of the public.

The suspects have since been charged to court.

Police warned that vandalism of critical national infrastructure would continue to attract criminal prosecution because of its impact on telecommunications services, businesses and the wider economy.

Burglary, theft and stolen vehicles

In separate operations across Idanyin, Agbado, Ajuwon and Atan Ijebu divisions, detectives arrested several suspects linked to burglary, house-breaking, theft and receiving stolen property.

Investigators recovered part of the stolen items, including clothing, household materials and a stolen Bajaj Boxer motorcycle, while forensic tracking of a stolen mobile phone helped detectives identify four suspected burglars in Agbado.

Police said investigations are continuing to recover additional property and arrest other suspects believed to have escaped.

Child abuse investigation underway

The Command also confirmed the arrest of a 50-year-old man over allegations of defiling an 11-year-old girl.

Police said the child received immediate medical attention while the suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Eleweran for further investigation and prosecution.

Child protection advocates have repeatedly called for speedy prosecution of sexual offences involving minors, arguing that swift justice is critical to protecting vulnerable children and deterring future abuse.

Hijacked truck recovered

Along the Benin-Ore Expressway, police said officers responding to reports of an armed hijacking recovered a mini truck loaded with aluminium doors and window frames after the suspected attackers fled into a nearby forest.

The vehicle has since been returned to its owner, while police say efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.

In another incident, officers recovered an abandoned bus at Atan Ijebu after receiving information from residents.

Police praise officers, seek public support

Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni commended officers involved in the operations, saying they demonstrated professionalism and vigilance.

He said:

“The Command remains resolute in sustaining the momentum of Operation KOSAYE through intelligence-led policing, enhanced visibility patrols, strategic stop-and-search operations, forensic investigation, and robust community partnership to deny criminal elements any operating space within Ogun State.”

The Commissioner also appealed to residents to continue providing credible information to the police.

He added: “The Command would continue to intensify Operation KOSAYE and other proactive policing strategies to ensure the safety and security of lives, property, and critical national assets across the State.”

What’s next?

Police say investigations continue into several of the cases, including efforts to recover additional stolen property, dismantle suspected diesel bunkering networks and arrest fleeing suspects connected to burglary and armed hijacking incidents.

The Ogun State Police Command urged residents to report suspicious activities through its emergency lines and continue supporting community policing efforts.

The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old suspected cultist believed to be on its wanted list and recovered four locally fabricated firearms during an operation in Jesse, Ethiope West Local Government Area.

Police said the arrest followed a complaint from a man who reported being shot by the suspect. Officers from the Jesse Division, working with community youths, carried out the operation on 21 July.

According to the police, the suspect, identified as Oghenebuba Mamatime, is alleged to be a member of the Eiye confraternity and had been wanted over the shooting of the victim on 2 July along Ujomi Road in Jesse Town.

Three locally made pistols and one locally made single-barrel gun were recovered from the suspect during the arrest, the command said.

Why it matters

Cult-related violence remains a major security challenge in parts of Delta State and other areas of southern Nigeria, with clashes often resulting in deaths, injuries and disruption to communities.

Security experts say successful investigations and the recovery of illegal firearms can help reduce violent crime, but lasting progress also depends on intelligence gathering, youth engagement and community cooperation.

Police account

The Delta State Police Command said preliminary investigations suggest the suspect attacked the victim after the victim decided to leave the cult group.

According to the command, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, who is a member of Eiye confraternity, was unhappy with the victim over his decision to quit cultism, and in a bid to force him into the confraternity, an argument ensued which led to the shooting.”

Police added that the suspect remains in custody while investigations continue.

Commissioner praises community partnership

Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the cooperation between officers and community youths during the operation.

He urged residents to sustain the partnership in tackling not only cultism but also drug abuse, kidnapping and other serious crimes.

The Commissioner also advised young people to avoid involvement in cult-related activities.

Expert perspective

Security analysts have repeatedly argued that community policing and timely intelligence sharing improve the chances of arresting suspects involved in organised crime.

They also note that helping young people leave cult groups through rehabilitation, education and employment opportunities is essential to reducing recruitment into criminal gangs.

Public perspective

Residents in communities affected by cult violence have often welcomed police operations that remove illegal firearms from circulation, while urging authorities to ensure investigations are thorough and prosecutions are conducted in accordance with the law.

What’s next?

Police say investigations are continuing and further legal action will depend on the outcome of the inquiry.

Authorities have also appealed to members of the public to report suspicious activities that could help prevent cult-related violence and other crimes.