By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.

The outgoing Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Lanre Ogunlowo, has raised concern over the increasing use of forested areas in the state by suspected bandits for kidnapping operations.

Ogunlowo disclosed this on Thursday while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of his send-forth ceremony held at the state Police Command headquarters in Abeokuta.

The Commissioner, who has been elevated to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General (AIG), revealed that dense forests, particularly in the Ijebu axis, are now being exploited as safe havens by criminal elements.

He attributed the trend to intensified security crackdowns in other parts of the country, which he said have forced some criminals to relocate to relatively less monitored areas.

“The bandits are taking advantage of the forested terrain in Ogun State. Ongoing clearance operations nationwide have displaced some of these elements, and they are now finding refuge in our forests to continue their activities,” he said.

Ogunlowo noted that recent kidnapping incidents in the Ijebu area signal an emerging and troubling shift in criminal tactics within the state.

While assuring residents that the police are not overwhelmed, he emphasised that tackling the challenge requires coordinated efforts beyond the state.

“This is not a problem we can address in isolation. It involves cross-border movements, and we are strengthening collaboration with neighbouring states and other security agencies to tackle it effectively,” he added.

Despite the growing concern, the police boss maintained that the command remains proactive and committed to safeguarding lives and property, noting that strategic measures are being deployed to flush out criminals from their hideouts.

Reflecting on his tenure between 2024 and 2026, Ogunlowo credited the successes recorded by the command to the support of the state government, traditional rulers, and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), as well as residents of the state.

He acknowledged that policing is a dynamic task but expressed satisfaction with the command’s performance during his time.

“The people are the ultimate beneficiaries of our service, and their support has been invaluable. The government and traditional institutions have also stood firmly with us,” he said, adding that he would rate the command’s performance positively during his stewardship.