The Oyo State Police Command has launched bush-combing operations in search of kidnappers of an Indian expatriate and other criminal elements in the state.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Alayande, disclosed the development on Monday during a current affairs programme on an Ibadan-based radio station. He expressed concern over the resurgence of criminal activities and said the command was reviewing its security architecture to curb kidnappings and other crimes across the state’s 33 local government areas.
The operation follows a recent attack on Saturday in Ogunmakin community, Oluyole Local Government Area, where gunmen killed a police officer and abducted an Indian expatriate. Earlier, on January 6, suspected bandits attacked the National Park Service in Oloka community, Oriire Local Government Area, killing five officers.
Alayande said the command was working in collaboration with the Ogun and Lagos State Police Commands to strengthen security along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and border communities.
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“It is pathetic that one of our officers lost his life while trying to repel the attacks launched by the gunmen at Ogunmakin area of the Oluyole Local Government Area. An Indian expatriate was kidnapped during the attack. We have deployed our men to the affected areas. They have started combing the bushes in search of the criminal elements. I am assuring the public that they will be smoked out from wherever they are hiding,” he said.
He added that the command remains committed to ensuring a safer environment for residents and will continue to intensify efforts against criminal activities in the state.