By Frontline Reporters
Security experts, local hunters, vigilantes, and community leaders have raised concerns over the increasing use of forest corridors and porous border communities across the South-West by kidnappers and other criminal elements.
Investigations reveal that forests stretching across Oyo, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti states have become strategic routes for armed groups fleeing military pressure in northern parts of the country. The criminals reportedly exploit weak surveillance in remote forest reserves and boundary communities to launch attacks, abduct victims and evade security operatives.
Particular concern has been raised over the vast forest belts linking Oyo and Kwara states through the Old Oyo National Park, as well as forest routes connecting Osun and Ekiti states.
The warning comes amid a surge in kidnapping incidents and violent attacks in several South-West communities, especially in rural areas where security presence remains limited.
Old Oyo National Park Under Spotlight
Security stakeholders identified the Old Oyo National Park and adjoining forests as one of the region’s major security challenges due to its vast terrain and strategic location.
The park’s extensive vegetation belt connects several states and provides multiple escape routes for criminal gangs. Security sources said kidnappers and bandits often exploit these routes to move victims and evade arrest.
The Defence Headquarters recently linked a major kidnapping incident in Oyo State to terrorist elements displaced from other parts of the country following intensified military operations.
Gani Adams Raises Alarm
The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, described the Old Oyo National Park as a significant security threat, alleging that armed groups have repeatedly used the forest as a base for operations.
According to him, members of the Oodua Peoples Congress, hunters and vigilantes had previously conducted operations in the area and recovered weapons from suspected criminals.
Adams blamed inadequate forest surveillance and poor coordination among security stakeholders for the resurgence of criminal activities in the region.
He called for stronger collaboration between governments and local security groups to secure forests and border communities.
Ogun Forests Identified as Flashpoints
In Ogun State, residents and security observers identified several forested areas around the Ijebu axis as emerging hotspots for kidnapping activities.
They noted that criminals often exploit isolated roads, forest routes and boundary communities to access remote settlements before retreating into the forests.
However, the Ogun State Government said security agencies had intensified patrols, intelligence gathering and forest-combing operations across vulnerable locations.
Officials disclosed that recent operations led to the arrest of suspected kidnappers and the rescue of abducted victims.
Concerns Over Osun Border Communities
The Nigeria Forest Security Service in Osun State identified numerous boundary communities and forest routes linking Osun with Ekiti, Kwara, Ogun and Ondo states as vulnerable points for criminal infiltration.
According to the agency, armed groups frequently exploit these routes because of limited surveillance and difficult terrain.
Officials called for increased government support, improved logistics and enhanced monitoring of forest reserves to prevent criminal activities.
Ekiti Intensifies Bush-Combing Operations
The Ekiti State Government has intensified security operations around forests and border communities adjoining Kogi, Kwara and Ondo states.
Authorities said joint security teams comprising the military, police, Department of State Services, Amotekun Corps, vigilantes and local hunters were conducting regular bush-combing exercises aimed at denying criminals safe havens within the state.
Call for Stronger Security Measures
Security stakeholders and hunters’ associations warned that the growing activities of kidnappers in the South-West signal an evolving security challenge that requires urgent intervention.
They called on federal and state governments to strengthen surveillance of forests, improve border security, deploy modern technology and deepen collaboration with local security networks.
According to them, protecting forest corridors and vulnerable border communities remains critical to preventing further attacks and restoring public confidence in the region’s security architecture.
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2026-05-27