OYRTMA Trains Officers On Intelligence Gathering To Boost Road Security In Oyo

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

The one-day training programme, themed “Eyes on the Road – Intelligence in Action,” was held at the Oyo State House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. The initiative was designed to equip traffic officers with skills in observation, surveillance, and prompt reporting of suspicious activities to support security agencies in crime prevention.

Speaking during the training, the Chairman of OYRTMA, Major Adekoya Adesagba, said traffic officers occupy a strategic position in public security due to their daily interactions with motorists and road users.

According to him, the responsibilities of traffic personnel extend beyond traffic control, road decongestion, and the removal of road 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 on the role of traffic officers in enhancing public security and intelligence gathering, he stressed the importance of vigilance and information gathering in preventing crime.

He cited recent security challenges in parts of the state, including cases of banditry in Ogbomoso and kidnappings in Ibadan, urging officers to remain alert 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 said OYRTMA continues to collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force, Operation Burst, and the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps) to improve security across the state.

As part of the training, officers were advised to watch for suspicious behaviour, unusual passenger interactions, suspicious luggage, and vehicles operating without registration plates. They were encouraged to report suspicious activities to security agencies rather than confront suspects directly.

The chairman also emphasised the importance of situational awareness, public enlightenment, and personal safety, urging officers to maintain professionalism while educating road users and remaining vigilant to potential security threats.

In his remarks, the General Manager of OYRTMA, Commander Ayoade Adeoye, represented by the Director of Administration and Supplies, Mr Olusola Akanmu, commended the authority’s leadership for prioritising staff development and thanked the Oyo State Government for its continued support.

The training forms part of the state government’s broader efforts to strengthen security through intelligence-led strategies and inter-agency collaboration. :::