The outgoing Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Lanre Ogunlowo, has raised concerns over the growing use of forested areas in the state by criminal elements, particularly kidnappers demanding ransom.
Ogunlowo made this known while addressing journalists on the sidelines of his send-off ceremony held at the State Police Command headquarters in Abeokuta on Thursday.
The police chief, who was recently promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General (AIG), disclosed that dense forests in parts of the state especially within the Ijebu axis are increasingly being exploited by suspected bandits as operational bases.
He attributed the development to sustained security crackdowns in other parts of the country, which, he said, have forced criminal elements to relocate to relatively less-policed areas.
“The bandits are taking advantage of the forested terrain in Ogun State. Due to ongoing clearance operations nationwide, some displaced criminal elements are moving into our forests and using them as safe havens,” he said.
Ogunlowo noted that recent kidnapping incidents in the Ijebu area signal an emerging trend and a shift in criminal tactics within the state.
“We are fully aware of this challenge and are working round the clock to address it. This is not something any single command can handle alone, as it involves movements across state borders. We are therefore strengthening collaboration with neighbouring states and other security agencies,” he added.
Despite the threat, the outgoing commissioner assured residents that the command remains firmly in control of the security situation and is committed to safeguarding lives and property.
He stressed that strategic measures are already being implemented to flush out criminal elements from their hideouts and prevent further incidents.
Reflecting on his tenure, which spanned 2024 to 2026, Ogunlowo credited the successes recorded by the command to the support of the Ogun State Government led by Governor Dapo Abiodun, traditional rulers, and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC).
He also acknowledged the cooperation of residents, describing the public as critical stakeholders in policing.
“The support of the government and the people has been instrumental. The people are the end users of our services, and as we often say, they are the real bosses. We are here to serve them,” he said.
Ogunlowo further noted that while security challenges remain dynamic, the command made significant progress during his tenure, adding that he would rate its overall performance positively.
“I enjoyed enormous support from members of the public, and I must also commend traditional rulers for their unwavering cooperation,” he said.
