By Bukola Olamona

Determined to intensify the fight against criminality and strengthen policing strategies in Ondo State, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Wilfred Afolabi, has launched a three-day intensive training for officers of the command.

The capacity-building programme, themed “Basic Intelligence Course,” held at the OSDPC Hall, Ijapo Estate, Akure, is part of strategic efforts by the command to bolster security architecture and tackle the spate of violent crimes, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, arson and homicide.

CP Afolabi, while addressing participants at the flag-off ceremony, described the training as a vital component of the command’s roadmap towards operational excellence, enhanced intelligence gathering, and stronger community engagement.

“This training is not only about intelligence gathering. It is about using actionable insight to drive effective policing. We want our officers to be responsive, trusted, and deeply embedded in the communities they serve,” he said.

The Police Commissioner noted that the programme is in alignment with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, whose reform agenda prioritises professionalism, capacity development, and effective service delivery.

He emphasised the need for intelligence-led policing as a foundation for trust-building with communities, adding that members of the public must see the police not just as enforcers of the law, but as dependable partners in ensuring safety and security.

Afolabi further disclosed that participants will be mandated to submit daily intelligence reports through a designated platform, a move he said will guarantee real-time information flow and facilitate swift response to emerging security threats.

“This Basic Intelligence Course is structured to be practical and impactful. Resource persons will guide our officers on writing clear and actionable reports. This is key to building a responsive and efficient policing architecture,” he said.

The Commissioner revealed that the current training is the third of its kind under his administration, following previous sessions on Crime Mapping, Nipping and Crime Timing, and Effective Investigation and Prosecution.

Reiterating his commitment to ensuring a safer Ondo State, CP Afolabi stressed the importance of collaboration with residents through the Community Safety Partnership Programme, assuring that the command would continue to build bridges of trust between the police and the communities they serve.