… Three-week programme equips personnel to tackle emerging security challenges
… Commander urges officers to strengthen public trust through intelligence-led policing
Olayinka Akinpelu
The Ogun State Community, Social Orientation and Safety Corps (So-Safe Corps) has concluded a three-week intensive training programme on community policing and modern security practices aimed at enhancing the operational capacity and professionalism of its officers.
The annual training, organised in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, Ogun State Command, was designed to update officers on contemporary security realities, strengthen intelligence gathering and reinforce effective community engagement in tackling emerging security challenges.
A statement issued by the State Commander of the Corps, Cmdr. (Dr.) Soji Ganzallo, and made available by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Assistant Commander of Corps Adegunwa Adegbuyi, said the programme was part of the agency’s continuous efforts to improve service delivery and prevent operational complacency.
According to the statement, the training focused on equipping officers with the knowledge, skills and professionalism required to respond effectively to evolving security threats while fostering stronger relationships between the Corps and communities across Ogun State.
The theme of the programme, “Community Policing: A Strategic Focus of Security in the 21st Century”, was extensively delivered by resource persons from the Nigeria Police Force.
Participants were exposed to various aspects of modern policing, including transparency and fair hearing, policy implementation and oversight, technology and social media, crime prevention through community policing, continuous training and education, as well as officers’ readiness and safety.
The facilitators emphasised that trust, acceptance and collaboration among security agencies and local communities remain fundamental to effective policing and sustainable security operations.
The officers were also trained on the importance of building partnerships with community leaders, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to improve intelligence gathering, enhance public confidence and strengthen crime prevention efforts.
The programme further stressed the need for officers to uphold justice, fairness and professionalism by treating all members of the public with dignity irrespective of their religion, social status or background.
Participants were equally advised to resolve community disputes through dialogue and lawful procedures while ensuring that superior officers remained informed and involved in operational decision-making processes.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Ganzallo expressed appreciation to the Commissioner of Police, CP Olubode Ojajuni, for facilitating the collaboration and knowledge-sharing initiative between the Nigeria Police Force and the Corps.
He reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to building a disciplined, professional and community-oriented security organisation capable of responding effectively to the security needs of residents.
The State Commander urged officers to apply the knowledge gained during the training to strengthen public trust, improve intelligence gathering and contribute meaningfully to peace and security across their various communities.
He also encouraged participants to share the knowledge acquired with their colleagues to ensure continuous institutional learning and improved operational effectiveness.
Ganzallo expressed appreciation to Governor Dapo Abiodun for his support for the Corps, alongside the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Rotimiolu Akinlesi, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police Olusola Zubair, and the Security and Safety Marshals of the Corps.
He noted that the annual training forms part of the agency’s broader strategy to ensure that So-Safe personnel remain among the most professional, responsive and community-focused security operatives in Ogun State.
