By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta
The outgoing Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Lanre Ogumlowo, on Thursday raised alarms over the growing use of forested areas in the state by bandits, particularly for kidnapping for ransom.
Speaking during his send-off ceremony at the State Police Command headquarters in Abeokuta ahead of his promotion to Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Ogumlowo said dense forests in the Ijebu axis are increasingly being exploited as operational bases by criminal elements displaced from other parts of the country.
“The bandits are taking advantage of the forested terrain in Ogun State. Due to sustained clearance operations across the country, some displaced criminal elements are finding their way into our forests and using them as operational bases,” he said, describing recent kidnappings in Ijebu as a disturbing trend and a shift in criminal tactics.
Ogumlowo assured residents that the police command is fully alert and actively collaborating with neighbouring states and security agencies to tackle the threat. “We are strengthening collaboration with neighbouring states and other security agencies. Strategic measures are being implemented to flush out criminal elements from their hideouts,” he added.
Reflecting on his tenure between 2024 and 2026, Ogumlowo attributed the command’s successes to the support of the Ogun State government, traditional rulers, and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC).
“The support of the people of the state and the unyielding backing of the government have been instrumental. The people are the real bosses, and we are here to serve them,” he emphasized, noting that security challenges remain dynamic but expressing satisfaction with the command’s overall performance.
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