Afenifere Youth Leader asks S’West governors to conduct security sweeps across forests

The National Youth President of Afenifere, Eniola Ojajuni, has urged the government to conduct thorough security sweeps across forests in Edo, Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Ibilo, and Lagos states.

He revealed that kidnappers have set up at least 55 camps across the South-West, strategically positioned for their operations.

A statement released on Sunday by Ojajuni, who was held captive for 12 days, disclosed that the majority of these camps are located in Ondo State, followed by Ekiti, Osun, and Ogun states.

Reflecting on his harrowing experience during captivity, Ojajuni shared how the kidnappers openly discussed their plans to escalate abductions in both Ondo and Lagos states.

He emphasised the need for heightened intelligence efforts by security agencies and state governments to curb the menace.

“The criminals have established well-organised kidnapping camps across South-West Nigeria, strategically positioned for their operations: Ondo State – 27 camps; Ekiti State – 16 camps; Osun State – seven camps; Ogun State – five camps.

“During my captivity, the kidnappers boasted of their plans to intensify abductions in Ondo and Lagos states, citing their hidden camps in these regions. They also revealed details of their operations along the Sagamu–Ijebu Ode Road, near Oso-Sa Ijebu, weeks before my abduction”, he said.

He further pledged to provide firsthand intelligence, gained during his time in captivity, to aid in dismantling the kidnappers’ operations.

Ojajuni also stressed the need for more security checkpoints along highways and forest borders to curb the rising criminal activities.