The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Olugbenga, has called on residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information to help curb kidnapping and other criminal activities.
Olugbenga made the appeal on Monday in Ibadan during activities marking the 2026 National Police Week. The programme commenced with an environmental sanitation exercise at Challenge Motor Park, followed by a large-scale medical outreach at Aleshinloye Market.
The Commissioner emphasized that effective policing—particularly in tackling kidnapping—requires strong collaboration between the police and the public. He noted that building trust through sustained community engagement is essential for achieving lasting security.
“We are starting with this to encourage police-community partnership because that is the only way we can build trust. If the public does not engage with us, they cannot rely on us,” he said.
Olugbenga reiterated his commitment to ensuring a safe and secure Oyo State where residents can carry out their daily activities without fear. He added that economic growth thrives best in a peaceful environment.
“I want my tenure to be crime-free and safe, but we cannot do it alone. We must collaborate with the public. They give us information, and we act on it promptly. That is how we will achieve results,” he added.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Ambassador Mrs. Adegbenjo Esther, urged residents to take responsibility for the safety of their communities by providing useful information to security agencies.
She noted that members of the public are often aware of suspicious activities and criminal elements within their neighborhoods and should not hesitate to report them.
“We know ourselves and those who are criminals among us. The public should provide accurate and timely information. If you cannot approach the police directly, you can reach out to PCRC members, and we will relay the information appropriately,” she said.
As part of the week-long activities, the police command also conducted a free medical outreach for residents, with over 100 people benefiting from health screenings and treatment.
The Director of Police Medical Services in Oyo State, Kazeem Olayemi, disclosed that the exercise recorded a high turnout, with many beneficiaries diagnosed and treated for various health conditions.
According to him, common ailments detected included high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar levels, with some residents learning about their conditions for the first time.
“We have seen people with hypertension and diabetes. Some were unaware, while others had defaulted on their medications. We have advised them accordingly and provided necessary drugs free of charge,” he explained.
Olayemi added that all services—including consultation, screening, and medication—were provided at no cost, while patients requiring further attention were referred to police medical facilities for continued care.
Beneficiaries of the initiative commended the police for combining security advocacy with humanitarian services, describing the effort as a step toward strengthening trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the public.
The National Police Week celebrations are expected to continue with more community-based programmes aimed at enhancing intelligence gathering, fostering closer ties with residents, and reinforcing efforts to combat crime across Oyo State
