The Ondo State Police Command has commenced statewide show-of-force operations as part of intensified security measures ahead of forthcoming political activities in the state.
The exercise, which is aimed at strengthening public confidence and deterring criminal elements, was led on Tuesday by the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, alongside senior officers, tactical commanders and other security formations.
The operation covered Idanre and Owo Local Government Areas, with the deployment of conventional police personnel, Mobile Police (PMF) units, intelligence operatives and other specialised teams.
According to the Command, the patrols are designed to demonstrate operational readiness and ensure a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after political engagements across the state.
As part of the engagement in Idanre, the Commissioner of Police paid a courtesy visit to the Regent of Idanre, High Chief Akinloye Akinboni, where discussions centred on community cooperation and the need to sustain peace during the political period.
The police boss commended traditional institutions for their support in maintaining security and urged community leaders to intensify sensitisation among youths against violence and other criminal activities.
Lawal reiterated the Command’s resolve to deal decisively with any attempt to disrupt public peace, warning that political thuggery, voter intimidation, cult-related violence and other forms of disorder would not be tolerated.
He stressed that the show-of-force exercise also served as a warning to individuals or groups planning to foment trouble, noting that the Command remained intelligence-driven and fully prepared to respond to any threat.
The Commissioner further urged political actors, supporters and residents to conduct themselves responsibly and embrace lawful means of participation in the political process.
He also called on members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information that could aid proactive policing.
Lawal assured residents that adequate security arrangements had been put in place across strategic locations in the state, including enhanced patrols, surveillance operations and deployment of tactical units to vulnerable areas.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining neutrality, professionalism and strict adherence to the rule of law throughout the political period and beyond.
It warned that anyone found engaging in activities capable of breaching public peace would be arrested and prosecuted.
Meanwhile, the Command provided official contact channels for public information sharing, including its phone line, social media handles and email address.
The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh.
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