By: Fortune Ibeh
By any fair assessment, policing in Ondo State over the past year has undergone a noticeable shift. When CP Adebowale Lawal psc(+), mnips took over as Commissioner of Police, the security climate he met was fragile, with criminal activities cutting across the three senatorial districts and public confidence at a low ebb.
What has followed since then invites not just reportage, but opinion and reflection on whether Ondo State is witnessing a temporary improvement or the foundation of a lasting security rebirth.
One of the most striking aspects of CP Lawal’s leadership is the deliberate move away from fire-brigade, reactionary policing toward a structured, intelligence-driven strategy. The early decision to first assess crime patterns across the State before rolling out operational responses signaled a leadership style anchored on planning rather than impulse. In a country where policing is often judged by force of presence alone, this recalibration toward intelligence, analysis, and prevention deserves commendation.
Equally important is the renewed emphasis on community trust. The gradual return of public confidence, evidenced by residents volunteering actionable intelligence, suggests that the Police under CP Lawal have begun to rebuild a relationship long strained by suspicion and fear. This is no small feat. Modern policing thrives on information, and information flows best where trust exists. Ondo State’s experience reinforces the idea that security cannot be imposed on communities, it must be built with them.
The operational results speak loudly. From the arrest of suspects linked to the tragic killing of Adekunle Ajasin University students, to the rescue of trafficked Ghanaian nationals, the dismantling of arms-manufacturing networks, and the disruption of kidnapping and cult syndicates, the Command has demonstrated capacity, reach, and resolve. These successes have not only removed dangerous elements from the streets but have also sent a clear message that crime, no matter how organized or concealed, will be confronted.
Another commendable dimension of CP Lawal’s tenure is internal discipline and professionalism.
Rewarding officers who perform exceptionally while sanctioning misconduct strengthens institutional integrity and morale. Policing reforms often fail when leadership ignores internal accountability. By recognizing excellence and enforcing standards, the Command has reinforced a culture where professionalism is expected, not optional.
Beyond enforcement, the focus on peace-building stands out. The reconciliation of rival cult groups in Ondo City and the peaceful passage of traditionally volatile dates such as 7/7 and 8/8 highlight an understanding that not all security challenges require arrests alone. Dialogue, mediation, and preventive engagement can sometimes achieve what prolonged force cannot. This balanced approach reflects maturity in leadership and an appreciation of the social roots of crime.
The Command’s attention to vulnerable groups, particularly victims of trafficking, sexual exploitation, and child abuse, also deserves praise. Rescuing victims is one thing; ensuring their medical care, psychological support, and reintegration is another. By strengthening the Gender Desk and partnering with civil society organizations, the Police have shown sensitivity to human rights and victim-centered policing.
That said, sustaining these gains remains the real test. Crime adapts, and public goodwill can fade if momentum slows.
Continuous training, adequate logistics, welfare for officers, and sustained community engagement will be critical to ensuring that current successes do not become isolated achievements. Transparency in prosecutions and the conclusion of cases will also be vital in maintaining public trust.
CP Adebowale Lawal’s tenure so far represents more than a routine change in command. It reflects a conscious attempt to redefine policing in Ondo State through strategy, partnership, and accountability. While challenges remain and total security is an ongoing journey, the direction is clear.
If sustained, this approach could well serve as a model for effective state-level policing in Nigeria.
Ondo State today feels not just quieter, but more hopeful. And in matters of security, hope backed by action is perhaps the strongest signal that the tide is truly turning.
