Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Fayoade Adegoke has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening security across Ondo State and the South-West region following high-level engagements with government officials, traditional rulers and security stakeholders during his working visit to the state.
The DIG, who visited Ondo State on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, was warmly received at the Government House in Akure by the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Olayide Owolabi Adelami, who represented Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. During the meeting, both leaders held extensive discussions on the security situation in the state and explored strategies aimed at strengthening intelligence gathering, crime prevention and inter-agency cooperation to sustain peace and stability.
As part of his engagements, the DIG paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Deji of Akure Kingdom, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, where he sought the continued support of traditional institutions in the fight against crime and criminality. The revered monarch commended the efforts of security agencies in maintaining peace across the state and pledged the cooperation of traditional rulers in providing intelligence and mobilising community support for security initiatives.
Speaking during his visit to the Ondo State Police Command, DIG Fayoade described Ondo State as a strategic component of the South-West security architecture due to its expansive forests, riverine communities and border links with neighbouring states. He stressed that these geographical realities demand intelligence-driven policing, sustained vigilance and regional cooperation among security agencies.
The DIG praised the command for recording notable successes in crime prevention, arrest of suspects and disruption of criminal networks through proactive and intelligence-led operations. He also acknowledged the support of Governor Aiyedatiwa in providing logistics and facilitating inter-agency cooperation, which he said has significantly enhanced the state’s security framework.
He further called for improved operational mobility, modern surveillance technology, enhanced communication systems and stronger community engagement to consolidate existing security gains. According to him, security remains a collective responsibility requiring the active participation of residents, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders.
The DIG also emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration among the Nigeria Police Force, the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps and other security agencies in tackling criminal activities across the region.
Addressing officers and men of the command, he charged them to remain disciplined, professional and committed to duty while assuring the people of Ondo State that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to take decisive action against all forms of criminality.