The Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority has trained its senior officers and personnel on intelligence gathering, vigilance, and public safety to strengthen security efforts across the state.
The one-day training programme, held at the Oyo State House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, focused on equipping traffic officers with skills to support security agencies through effective observation, surveillance, and prompt reporting of suspicious activities.
The training, themed “Eyes on the Road – Intelligence in Action,” was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of OYRTMA, Major Adekoya Adesagba, said traffic officers play a critical role in public security due to their daily interactions with motorists and road users across the state.
According to him, their responsibilities extend beyond traffic control, road decongestion, and the removal of obstructions.
“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 said.
Delivering 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,” he stressed the importance of intelligence gathering in preventing crime.
He cited recent security challenges in parts of the state, including incidents of banditry in Ogbomoso and kidnappings in Ibadan, urging officers to remain vigilant while carrying out their duties.
Adesagba also reminded participants of the 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 measure was introduced to curb criminal activities such as robbery, kidnapping, and banditry.
He added that OYRTMA maintains close collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, Operation Burst, and the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps) to enhance security across the state.
As part of the training, officers were advised to pay attention to suspicious behaviour, unusual passenger interactions, suspicious luggage, and vehicles operating without registration plates. They were also urged to report suspicious activities to relevant security agencies rather than confront suspects directly.
Adesagba further emphasised the need for situational awareness, public enlightenment, and personal safety, encouraging officers to adopt a professional and educative approach in their interactions with road users while remaining alert to potential security threats.
In his vote of thanks, the General Manager of OYRTMA, Commander Ayoade Adeoye, represented by the Director of Administration and Supplies, Mr Olusola Akanmu, commended the chairman for prioritising staff development and appreciated the state government for its continued support.
He also thanked participants for attending the programme and wished safe travels to officers who came from Ogbomoso, Iseyin, Oyo, and other operational zones.
Among those present were the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mrs Dore Kehinde; the Deputy Director of Administration and Supplies, Mr Owolabi Akeem; the Deputy Director of Finance and Accounts, Mrs Aborowa Funke; and other senior officers of the authority.
The training comes amid renewed efforts by the Oyo state government to strengthen security through intelligence-led strategies and inter-agency collaboration.
Authorities have continued to encourage public institutions and frontline agencies to play active roles in identifying and reporting potential security threats as part of broader measures to curb crime and enhance public safety across the state.
