The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Supervising DIG for the South-West Zone, DIG Adegoke Mustapha Fayoade, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding lives and property, strengthening public confidence, and sustaining peace across Osun State.
Speaking during an official duty tour of the Osun State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo on Thursday, the senior police officer conveyed the goodwill of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, while commending the command for its professionalism and dedication in preserving the relative peace currently enjoyed in the state.
Addressing officers, security stakeholders, and members of the media, DIG Adegoke described the visit as both official and deeply personal, noting his ties to Osun State. He stressed, however, that beyond personal sentiments, his overriding responsibility remains the protection of lives and property and the promotion of effective policing throughout the state.
The DIG acknowledged the recent security challenges, particularly isolated cult-related incidents witnessed during the ongoing political activities. He, however, expressed confidence in the proactive measures being implemented by the Osun State Police Command, noting that strategic operations have continued to frustrate criminal elements and prevent further breaches of public peace.
According to him, the command has recorded remarkable operational successes, including the recovery of illegal firearms and ammunition, alongside other crime-fighting initiatives aimed at enhancing the safety and security of residents.
DIG Adegoke also commended the Osun State Government, particularly through the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State Chapter, for its continuous support to the police. He noted that the provision of operational vehicles and other logistics has significantly strengthened the command’s capacity to respond effectively to security challenges across the state.
He further praised the National Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), and other community-based stakeholders for their invaluable contributions to intelligence gathering, community policing, and efforts aimed at fostering mutual trust between the police and the public.
Emphasising that security is a collective responsibility, the DIG appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, religious bodies, youth organisations, civil society groups, and residents to sustain their cooperation with security agencies by providing timely, credible, and actionable information capable of preventing crime before it occurs.
As part of his working visit, DIG Adegoke paid a courtesy call on the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, Larooye II, through whom he conveyed his appreciation to traditional rulers across Osun State for their unwavering support and collaboration with security agencies in maintaining law and order.
He also disclosed that additional police personnel had been deployed to Osun State to reinforce ongoing security operations and address emerging threats. While extending heartfelt condolences to the families of victims affected by recent security incidents, the DIG assured residents that the Nigeria Police Force remains fully prepared to ensure that political activities do not undermine the prevailing peace, stability, and security of the state.
He later held a closed-door meeting with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke at the Government House in Osogbo to map out strategies for neutralizing political thuggery and enhancing the state’s security architecture.
He delivered the IGP message as follows: “The Commissioner of Police and his men have been instructed that never again should any act of brigandage take place in this state. The IG has directed the AIG and the CP to take charge and ensure that this act of violence, which is already giving the population apprehension and fear, is not allowed to occur again.
“I have also directed the AIG and the Commissioner of Police on the order of the IG, that any act of murder or brigandage or any unlawful act perpetrated in the state must be fully investigated. Anybody found culpable should be arrested and prosecuted.
“I want to assure you that the Osun state forthcoming elections will be conducted under a very peaceful atmosphere. We can recall the last election in Anambra, just last Saturday, the Ekiti election was conducted under a very peaceful atmosphere and we don’t want anything different from that in Osun State. That is the standard that has been set and that is the standard we are going to follow.
“Your Excellency, I assure you that the police will live up to the expectation. The police commissioner and his men will perform their duties in line with the constitution and in line with the rule of law. We are not going to allow anybody to violate the law of the land and cause any havoc or any uneasiness in the state.
“We the police must rise to the occasion, put our men on their toes, and restrategize, so that all these challenges can be tackled. I have addressed the officers and men of this command, and we have restrategized. I have given them the message from the IGP that they must rise to the occasion and put an end to all these acts that are embarrassing the country.
Governor Adeleke in his response, however demanded that the stoppage of the violence must be accompanied by arrest and prosecution of political thugs responsible for the killings and maiming of several Osun residents.
Following his engagements in Osogbo, DIG Fayoade Mustapha Adegoke, accompanied by the Osun State Commissioner of Police, paid a courtesy visit to the Orangun of Ila, His Imperial Majesty, Alayeluwa Oba Abdulwahab Kayode Oyedotun, Bibire I, to further explain the purpose of his official mission to Osun State. During the visit, the Deputy Inspector-General sought the royal blessings and support of the revered monarch, while reaffirming the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to neutrality, professionalism, and the maintenance of peace and security across the state. The royal father, in turn, commended the police for their efforts and offered prayers for the success of the mission and the continued peace, stability, and development of Osun State.
His visit underscored the determination of the police leadership to deepen collaboration with communities, enhance operational effectiveness, and guarantee a peaceful atmosphere before, during, and after the political season in Osun State.
Postscript
DIG Adegoke Fayoade hails from Ila-Orangun, A former President of the prestigious Omo Ogboye Club. Married to his friend, Princess Adekemi Fayoade nee Fabayo and the union is blessed with godly children.
Fayoade had previously served as the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, and AIG Zone 2 comprising Lagos and Ogun States, among other postings.
Omotayo Babalola is the Publisher of Igbomina Today Magazine, a distinguished historian, political analyst, public commentator, and passionate advocate for community development.
