For years, Northern Nigeria has borne the brunt of terrorism, with communities devastated by deadly attacks, mass abductions, destruction of property and widespread insecurity. However, recent developments in the South-West have raised fresh concerns that criminal groups are increasingly exploiting forests and remote corridors across the region to carry out kidnappings and other violent crimes.
The alarm intensified following the abduction of 39 pupils and students, alongside seven teachers, from schools in Ahoro-Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The incident has sparked fear across Yorubaland, triggered protests by teachers and parents, and renewed calls for stronger security measures to secure the release of the victims.
Oyo Forest Corridor Raises Security Concerns
Security experts and community leaders have identified the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode corridor in Oyo State, particularly areas surrounding the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), as a growing security hotspot.
The corridor is characterized by thick forest vegetation and difficult terrain, conditions that make surveillance challenging and provide cover for criminal elements. Within the last three months, at least three kidnapping incidents have reportedly occurred in the area, including the abduction of two CRIN employees last month.
The recurring attacks have prompted demands for increased deployment of security personnel and coordinated operations to dismantle criminal camps operating within the forests.
President of the Yoruba Council Worldwide and Sooko Agoriesin of Ile-Ife, Sooko Oladotun Hassan, described security across Yorubaland as a pressing concern requiring urgent attention.
According to him, reports of criminal activities along forest routes and highways in the South-West should be taken seriously, while cautioning against spreading panic among residents.
He identified major routes that have featured in security reports, including the Ijebu-Ode-Ibadan Road, Ilesa-Ado Ekiti Road, Akure-Owo Road and sections of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Hassan noted that forests across Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti and Osun states have repeatedly appeared in intelligence reports linking them to kidnappings and other criminal activities.
He stressed that while criminal gangs are operating in some forested areas, it remains the responsibility of security agencies to determine whether such groups should be classified as terrorists based on available intelligence and evidence.
Ogun Forest Routes Under Surveillance
In Ogun State, security authorities have identified several forest corridors believed to be vulnerable to infiltration by criminal groups.
Among the routes under watch are the Abeokuta-Imeko axis through the Iwoye forest, the Badagry-Atan-Abeokuta-Sokoto road corridor, and the Abeokuta-Olodo-Ibadan route.
Security stakeholders have also expressed concern over portions of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, particularly around Ogunmakin and adjoining forests, where criminals are suspected to be taking advantage of the dense vegetation to establish hideouts.
Ondo Forest Reserves Become Major Security Challenge
The security situation appears particularly troubling in Ondo State, where authorities have identified at least 16 farmlands and forest reserves allegedly occupied by criminal elements.
Communities within the Ala axis of Akure North Local Government Area have witnessed repeated attacks, leading to deaths, injuries and the displacement of farmers from their lands.
Notorious locations frequently mentioned in security reports include Ago-Daada, Ago-Oyinbo and Ago-Ademekun farmlands.
Reports indicate that more than 30 farmers and travellers have lost their lives in attacks linked to criminal activities within the forests, while many others have sustained injuries.
In one of the incidents, the traditional ruler of Ahungha Village in Akure North, Oba Kehinde Jacob Faledun, was killed inside his palace during an attempted abduction by armed men.
Similarly, businessman Augustine Okoye was reportedly killed after he and his wife were kidnapped along the Isua-Ise Akoko Road in Akoko North East Local Government Area.
Amotekun Arrests Suspected Kidnappers
The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, has intensified operations across forest reserves in a bid to flush out criminal gangs.
According to the state’s Amotekun Commander, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, security operatives have recorded significant successes in recent operations.
He disclosed that additional personnel were mobilised from neighbouring local governments to support forest raids and anti-kidnapping operations.
Adeleye revealed that 32 suspected kidnappers were arrested within the past week and are currently undergoing various stages of investigation and interrogation.
He assured residents that security agencies remain committed to reclaiming forest areas being used as criminal hideouts and restoring safety across the state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa Orders Tough Action Against Criminal Networks
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has vowed to sustain the offensive against kidnappers and anyone found aiding criminal activities.
The governor warned that individuals providing support, sponsorship or protection for criminal gangs would face the full weight of the law regardless of their social status or influence.
Aiyedatiwa expressed concern over the rising number of kidnapping incidents in some communities, noting that one area had recorded three separate abductions within two months.
He disclosed that security agencies have arrested about 90 suspects linked to kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state, adding that several of those arrested have already made confessional statements to investigators.
As security agencies intensify operations across the South-West, residents and community leaders continue to call for stronger collaboration among federal, state and local security structures to prevent forests and remote corridors from becoming permanent safe havens for kidnappers and other criminal groups.
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