ABEOKUTA (SUNDIATA POST)- The Commissioner of Police, Ogun Command, Mr Lanre Ogunlowo, has pledged to intensify efforts to tackle the rising cases of kidnapping on expressways in the state.The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Friday.
According to Odutola, the commissioner has taken decisive steps to curb the growing menace of kidnapping, particularly on the Sagamu-Ijebu Ode expressway.
She noted that the commissioner on Thursday conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the escape routes used by kidnappers on the expressway.
Odutola explained that the visit was to boost public confidence and ease the fear and panic associated with travelling on the route.
She added that during the assessment, critical observations were made regarding the criminals’ modus operandi.
” The kidnappers often ambush trucks, forcing them to stop at gunpoint at a specific footpath.
” This tactic creates a blockade, compelling other unsuspecting motorists to halt behind the trapped vehicles.
” With a queue of immobilised vehicles, the kidnappers then swiftly launch their attacks, abducting victims before retreating into the thick forest.
” To counter this criminal strategy, the Commissioner of Police has documented key locations within the forest and will intensify police presence in the coming days,” she said.
She said his strategy involves deploying more security operatives to the identified hotspot and enhancing surveillance and intelligence gathering.
to disrupt kidnappers’ activities.
The strategy would also involve engaging local farmers and hunters familiar with the terrain to strengthen police-community collaboration.
The command’s spokesperson added that the commissioner encouraged motorists to avoid travelling at unholy hours and stay updated on police advisories for safer journeys.
The commissioner, according to Odutola, reassured residents and travellers that under his leadership, kidnapping would not be allowed to mutate into an uncontrollable menace in Ogun .
The commissioner urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious movements and criminal hideouts to security agencies (NAN)
