The outgoing Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Lanre Ogunlowo, has raised a serious alarm regarding the increasing infiltration of bandits into the state’s vast forest reserves. Speaking in Abeokuta during a send-off ceremony marking his promotion to Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Ogunlowo revealed that criminal elements are now turning these dense woodlands into operational bases, particularly for kidnapping and ransom demands.
The security chief pointed out that the Ijebu axis has become a specific point of concern. He explained that as security forces intensify operations in other parts of the country, displaced bandits are migrating toward the thick terrains of Ogun State to find cover. This shift in tactics is a direct reaction to the heat being applied to criminal hideouts elsewhere, forcing these groups to seek out new, less-monitored territories.
Despite the disturbing nature of this trend, Ogunlowo assured the public that the police command is far from caught off guard. He noted that the authorities are already in high-level talks with neighboring states and various security agencies to launch a coordinated crackdown. The goal is to implement strategic measures that will flush these individuals out of the forests before they can establish a more permanent foothold.
Reflecting on his leadership of the command between 2024 and 2026, the outgoing commissioner credited much of his success to the strong relationship between the police and the local community. He spoke warmly of the support received from traditional rulers, the state government, and the Police Community Relations Committee. To him, the residents are the “real bosses,” and the effectiveness of any security strategy depends heavily on the trust and cooperation of the people being served.
While he acknowledged that security threats are constantly evolving, Ogunlowo expressed a sense of professional satisfaction with what his team achieved during his tenure. He stressed that while he is moving on to a higher rank, the foundation has been laid for his successor to continue the fight against these emerging forest-based threats, ensuring that Ogun State remains a hostile environment for kidnappers and bandits alike.
