Oyo road traffic agency trains officers on intelligence gathering, public safety

The Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) has trained its senior officers and staff on intelligence gathering, vigilance, and public safety as part of efforts to strengthen security across Oyo State.

During the training, officers were advised to pay attention to suspicious behaviour, unusual passenger interactions, suspicious luggage, and vehicles operating without registration plates.

The one-day training programme, held during the week at the Oyo State House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, focused on enhancing the capacity of traffic officers to support security agencies through effective observation, surveillance, and timely reporting of suspicious activities.

Adekoya Adesagba, retired army major and Chairman of OYRTMA, speaking during the programme, said traffic officers have responsibilities that extend beyond traffic management, road decongestion, and the removal of road obstructions.

According to him, Officers are strategically positioned to contribute to public security because of their daily interactions with thousands of motorists and road users across the state.

Adesagba, who delivered lectures titled “The Front Line of Order: The Role of Traffic Officers in Enhancing Self and Public Security in Oyo State” and “OYRTMA Intelligence Training: From Traffic Enforcement to Security Intelligence Assets,” stressed the importance of intelligence gathering in crime prevention. The training was held under the theme, “Eyes on the Road – Intelligence in Action.”

He cited recent security challenges in parts of the state, including incidents of banditry in Ogbomoso and kidnapping in Ibadan, and urged officers to remain vigilant while carrying out their duties.

Adesagba also reminded participants of the Oyo State Government’s restriction on the movement of commercial motorcycles and tricycles between 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., noting that the policy was introduced to curb criminal activities such as robbery, kidnapping, and banditry.

He explained that OYRTMA maintains close collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, Operation Burst, and the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps) in ensuring the security of lives and property across the state.

He further emphasised the need for situational awareness, public enlightenment, and personal safety, encouraging officers to adopt a more professional and educative approach in their interactions with road users while remaining alert to security threats.

Adesagba, however, urged personnel to report suspicious activities to the appropriate security agencies rather than confront suspects directly.

In his vote of thanks, Ayoade Adeoye, the General Manager of OYRTMA, Commander represented by the Director of Administration and Supplies, Olusola Akanmu, commended the chairman for his commitment to staff development and appreciated the Oyo State Government for its continued support of the Authority.

He also thanked participants for attending the programme and prayed for the safe return of officers who travelled from Ogbomoso, Iseyin, Oyo, and other operational zones.

Among those present were Dore Kehinde, the Director of Finance and Accounts, Owolabi Akeem, the Deputy Director of Administration and Supplies, Aborowa Funke, the Deputy Director of Finance and Accounts, as well as other senior officers and staff of the Authority.