Police, army swoop on kidnappers’ dens in Ondo

Consolidating on efforts to nip activities of kidnappers in Ondo State in the bud, the state police command and the 32 Artillery Brigade of Nigeria Army, Akure, have raided kidnappers’ hideouts in the state.

The police embarked on “Operation Sting” at the weekend to clear Ore, headquarters of Odigbo Local Government Area and popular commercial hub that serves as gateway to the eastern parts, South-South states, and Lagos.

Leading the sting operation, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Gbenga Adeyanju, and the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Security Matters, Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo, vowed to rid the state of criminals.

This was sequel to a similar operation at the behest of the 32 Artillery Brigade in Akoko area and other parts of the state where seven suspected kidnappers were nabbed and their hideouts destroyed.

Both districts, in recent times, have been notorious for the high rates of kidnapping incidents in the state, becoming unsafe for travellers and even monarchs, who were kidnapped in their palaces.

Adeyanju, however said though there was no arrest during the sting operation, the command has put necessary measures in place to curb activities of criminals on the road.

The police boss urged members of the public to be alert and always provide the command with useful information that will lead to the arrest of criminals.

Meanwhile, commander of 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, Brigadier-General James Ataguba, also led the brigade troop for the special operation to comb the kidnappers’ spots within Akoko area of the state.

According to the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Captain Ojo Adenegan, while speaking with journalists in Akure yesterday, “they raided, cordoned and thoroughly searched various forested kidnappers’ camps and spots at the boundary between Kogi and Ondo state in Akunu Akoko, Ohogo and Ogale communities.”

Adenegan urged the general public to always give useful information on any criminal activities through the Brigade call centre with the following hotlines 09030002151 and 09030002151.