Osun: DIG Adegoke Reaffirms Police Neutrality

The Deputy Inspector‑General of Police responsible for Information and Communication Technology and overseeing the South‑West Zone, DIG Fayoade Mustapha Adegoke, reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to maintaining peace, building public confidence, and ensuring effective policing throughout Osun State.

During an official duty tour of the Osun State Police Command in Osogbo on Thursday, Adegoke conveyed the goodwill of Inspector‑General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu and praised the command for its role in sustaining a relatively peaceful environment in the state.

Addressing officers, stakeholders and media representatives, the DIG described the visit as both official and personally significant, noting his connection to Osun State while emphasizing that the safety and security of residents remain his primary responsibility.

Adegoke acknowledged recent security concerns, particularly cult‑related incidents that have occurred during the ongoing electioneering period, but expressed confidence in the command’s proactive operations aimed at curbing criminal activity and maintaining public order.

He highlighted the command’s successes, including the recovery of arms and ammunition, and other security measures designed to prevent crime and enhance public safety.

The DIG commended Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan for his purposeful leadership and notable operational achievements, and praised officers and personnel for their professionalism and dedication to duty.

Reiterating the Nigeria Police Force’s stance during the democratic process, Adegoke stressed that the institution would remain professional and apolitical in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.

“Our allegiance is to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not to any political interest. Officers must remain impartial, disciplined and professional in the discharge of their responsibilities.”

The DIG also appreciated the support provided by the Osun State Government through the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State chapter, including the provision of operational vehicles and other interventions that have enhanced policing capacity across the state.

He commended the National Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria, the Police Community Relations Committee and other stakeholders for supporting community policing initiatives, intelligence gathering and efforts to strengthen public trust in the police.

Calling for sustained collaboration, Adegoke urged traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, religious organisations, civil society groups and residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information.

As part of the visit, the DIG paid a courtesy call on the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, Larooye II, through whom he expressed appreciation to traditional rulers across the state for their cooperation with security agencies.

He disclosed that additional police personnel had been deployed to Osun to address security challenges, offered condolences to the families of victims of recent incidents, and assured residents that political activities would not be allowed to disrupt the peace being enjoyed in the state.