Ogun, Osun And Ekiti Intensify Security Operations Against Forest-Based Criminals
Authorities in Ogun, Osun and Ekiti states have stepped up security measures aimed at preventing criminal groups from using forests and border communities as operational bases.
The renewed efforts follow growing concerns over rising kidnapping incidents and reports that armed groups are exploiting forest corridors across the South-West.
In Ogun State, the government said security agencies have intensified surveillance operations, coordinated patrols and extensive forest-combing exercises in vulnerable communities.
The Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, disclosed that security operatives recently carried out targeted operations in identified flashpoints, leading to arrests and the rescue of kidnapped victims.
According to him, authorities are paying special attention to border communities, isolated settlements and suspected infiltration routes connecting Ogun with neighbouring states.
The Ogun State Police Command also stated that it had strengthened intelligence gathering, surveillance and security patrols across strategic locations to prevent criminal activities.
In Osun State, the Nigeria Forest Security Service identified more than 20 boundary locations requiring close monitoring to prevent infiltration by criminal elements.
The state commander of the service, Hammed Nureni, said operatives have continued to monitor vulnerable forest routes linking Osun with Ekiti, Kwara, Ogun and Ondo states.
He explained that local hunters and forest operatives regularly patrol remote areas while relying on community informants to detect suspicious movements.
Nureni, however, noted that inadequate government support remains a major challenge affecting the effectiveness of forest security operations.
Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Government said it has continued to implement aggressive bush-combing operations across forests and border communities.
The state’s Special Adviser on Security Matters, Brigadier General Ebenezer Ogundana (retd.), said joint security teams comprising military personnel, police officers, Amotekun operatives, vigilantes and local hunters have been deployed to vulnerable areas.
According to him, the operations are designed to prevent kidnappers and other criminal elements from establishing hideouts within forests bordering neighbouring states.
Government officials across the region maintain that collaborative efforts involving conventional security agencies and community-based security groups remain essential in addressing emerging security threats.
They also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information capable of assisting security agencies in preventing criminal activities.
Security experts believe sustained patrols, improved intelligence gathering and stronger protection of border communities will play critical roles in reducing the activities of criminal groups operating within the region.
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