The Oyo State Police Command has taken its community relations campaign across the state as part of activities marking the 2026 Customer Service Week, distributing souvenirs, books and other gift items to residents in recognition of their cooperation in the fight against crime.
The initiative, themed “Going the Extra Mile,” involved engagements with motorists, traders, parents, youths, students and other members of the public, including pupils of primary and secondary schools.
The exercise was designed to strengthen police-community relations, build public confidence in law enforcement and encourage greater participation by residents in maintaining security across Oyo State.
According to the command, the engagement also provided an opportunity to sensitise residents to the importance of mutual trust, timely information sharing and public cooperation in preventing crime and safeguarding communities.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, described the initiative as an important component of the command’s non-kinetic approach to crime prevention and control.
Olugbenga explained that effective policing extends beyond law enforcement and the apprehension of offenders to include deliberate efforts to build relationships with members of the public and encourage their active involvement in security matters.
He stressed that the support and cooperation of law-abiding residents remained vital to the command’s efforts to prevent criminal activities and maintain public safety throughout the state.
The police commissioner also assured residents that the command would sustain its community engagement initiatives beyond the Customer Service Week, noting that public trust and confidence were essential to effective policing.
While appreciating the people of Oyo State for their continued partnership with the police, Olugbenga urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.
He further encouraged members of the public to provide credible and actionable information that could assist the police in identifying criminal threats and responding promptly to security concerns.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to serving residents with professionalism, respect and accountability, while strengthening cooperation between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.
It said the continued partnership between the police and the public remained crucial to achieving a safer environment for residents across Oyo State.
