Police raid Ondo forests, intensify crackdown on criminals
By Boye Oyeyemi
The Ondo State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on criminal activities with a major security operation in the Ilu-Abo Forest and adjoining communities, leading to the discovery and destruction of suspected criminal hideouts.
The operation was led by the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, alongside tactical commanders and operatives who combed identified flashpoints, forest routes and other locations believed to be serving as safe havens for kidnappers and other criminal elements.
According to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the exercise formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security across the state and deny criminals operational bases.
According to a statement issued by the spokesperson, on Thursday, several makeshift camps and structures allegedly used for criminal activities were uncovered and dismantled during the operation. Security operatives also conducted extensive searches across the forest to prevent the re-establishment of the camps.
The police said the operation was designed to disrupt criminal networks, restrict the movement of suspected criminals and enhance public confidence in the state’s security architecture.
Addressing officers during the exercise, Ohagwu reiterated the command’s commitment to proactive policing and intelligence-driven operations aimed at combating crime and maintaining public safety.
“We will not allow forests and remote locations within Ondo State to serve as sanctuaries for kidnappers and other criminal elements. The command will continue to sustain aggressive operations across all identified criminal hotspots,” the commissioner said.
Ohagwu noted that the operation aligned with the strategic directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to strengthen internal security and tackle violent crimes nationwide. He commended participating officers for their professionalism and urged residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information, assuring law-abiding citizens of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
