ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Oyo State Police Command has announced that it successfully apprehended 207 suspected armed robbers and recovered 50 stolen vehicles, along with 46 motorcycles/tricycles since the beginning of the year.
In addition, the police reported seizing 108 firearms and 721 rounds of various calibers of ammunition from criminals.
During a press briefing on Friday at the Command Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, the spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, highlighted the Command’s comprehensive approach to addressing security challenges in the state.
He outlined the strategic 4-Point Action Plan, which included collaborative inter-agency efforts, enhanced community policing engagements, intelligence-led policing, and improved organizational competencies through training and retraining.
Osifeso acknowledged the challenges posed by the state’s vast landmass, rapid industrialization, and population growth but emphasized the professionalism, strength, and courage demonstrated by the officers and men of the Command in the fight against crime.
As part of security awareness efforts ahead of the New Year celebration, the police conducted a convoy tour through various parts of Ibadan, starting from the state police command in Eleyele and covering key areas.
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The directive included securing critical infrastructures, recreational facilities, media houses, banks, correctional centers, public spaces, places of worship, and highways within and outside Oyo State.
The Commissioner of Police assured residents of the state to carry out their lawful duties and enjoy the Yuletide season without fear.
Additionally, measures were outlined to maintain discipline among police personnel, emphasizing accountability and professionalism to avoid any embarrassment to the Command and the Police Force.
In a statement, Osifeso said, “As we gradually bid 2023 farewell, the CP has ordered that all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Heads of Department/formations and Tactical Commanders deploy adequate personnel and resources throughout the length and breadth of Oyo State, particularly at all critical infrastructures, recreational facilities, Media Houses, Banks, Correctional centres, Public Spaces, Places of Worship and all adjoining highways and routes within and outside Oyo State.
“Similarly, the CP has directed that all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders should increase layers of supervision around their subordinates particularly men on the field who daily interface with commuters and other civilian populations while the Command’s Monitoring and X-squad units have been tasked to deal decisively with any officer whose actions or inactions bring about embarrassment to the Command and by extension the Police Force through extortion, incivilities, and other professional misconducts.
“In furtherance of the above, the Oyo State Police Command is pleased to inform residents that within the past five (5) months, it has recorded significant successes in reducing crime rates across the state. This was attained through a combination of intelligence-led operations, community engagements, and proactive policing.
“The Commissioner of Police, however, assured residents to go about their lawful duties and also enjoy the Yuletide season without tolerating any form of fear.”