By Ene Rebecca
June 8, 2026
Concerns over growing insecurity in parts of South-West Nigeria have intensified following the identification of several forest corridors and remote areas allegedly being used by criminal groups for kidnappings and other violent activities across the region.
The concerns gained renewed attention after the abduction of 39 pupils and students, alongside seven teachers, from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State last month. The incident sparked protests and calls for stronger security measures, with attention shifting to locations believed to be serving as operational bases for criminal elements in parts of Yorubaland.
According to reports, the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode corridor in Oyo State, particularly areas surrounding the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), has emerged as a major security concern due to recurring incidents of kidnapping and armed attacks. The area’s dense vegetation and difficult terrain have heightened fears among residents and commuters. Two CRIN staff members were abducted recently, bringing reported kidnapping incidents in the area to three within three months.
Speaking on the situation, President of the Yoruba Council Worldwide and Sooko Agoriesin of Ile-Ife, Sooko Oladotun Hassan, said security across Yorubaland remains a priority for community leaders and stakeholders. He noted that several highways, including sections of the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Road, Ilesa–Ado Ekiti Road, Akure–Owo Road and parts of the Lagos–Ibadan corridor, have experienced security challenges linked to criminal activities. Hassan stressed that while such incidents should not be ignored, they should also not be exaggerated in a way that creates unnecessary panic among residents.
In Ogun State, security concerns have reportedly centred on forest corridors along the Abeokuta–Imeko axis through the Iwoye forest, the Badagry–Atan–Abeokuta–Sokoto route, the Abeokuta–Olodo–Ibadan road, and sections of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway around Ogunmakin village. These locations have been identified by stakeholders as areas vulnerable to infiltration by criminal groups due to their terrain and limited monitoring.
Ondo State has also witnessed heightened security challenges. Reports identified several farmlands and forest reserves in parts of Akure North and Akoko areas as locations associated with violent attacks, kidnappings and killings. Notable locations mentioned include Ago-Daada, Ago-Oyinbo and Ago-Ademekun farmlands in Akure North. Authorities said military personnel have been deployed to some affected communities to prevent criminals from using the forests as hideouts.
Ondo State Amotekun Commander, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, said security operatives had intensified operations in forest reserves and other identified locations. According to him, additional personnel were mobilised to tackle criminal activities, leading to the arrest of 32 kidnapping suspects within a week. He assured residents that security agencies were working together to flush out criminals from their hideouts and restore confidence in affected communities.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State also pledged a stronger crackdown on kidnappers and their collaborators. The governor warned that anyone found supporting criminal activities would face prosecution regardless of status or influence. He expressed concern over repeated kidnapping incidents in some communities and said security agencies had made dozens of arrests connected to such crimes.
Stakeholders across the South-West have continued to advocate closer collaboration among federal security agencies, state-backed security outfits, traditional institutions, local vigilante groups and community leaders as part of efforts to improve security and prevent criminal elements from exploiting remote forested areas across the region.
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