The Joint Security Taskforce has moved into the forest in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State to flush out criminals from their hideouts, as the Chairman of the Council, Engr Akeem Olatunji, warned intruders against attempting to hide in the area to perpetrate crimes, insisting that such individuals or groups would have themselves to blame.

Meanwhile, staff of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) who were kidnapped at the premises of the institute last week have regained their freedom. Staff of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) who were kidnapped along the Ibadan-Abeokuta road have also been released.

In a renewed security drive, Olatunji warned intruders to steer clear of the area and cautioned residents and travellers to avoid forested and isolated areas within the council as security operatives intensify ongoing operations to flush out criminal elements hiding in the forest.

Speaking after a high-level security meeting with heads of security agencies and local stakeholders, the council chairman said the local government would not relent until the area is completely rid of criminal elements terrorising residents and commuters.

According to him, joint security teams comprising operatives of the police, Amotekun Corps, Civil Defence, local vigilantes, and hunters have continued combing forests and difficult terrains within the council in a sustained security effort.

He stressed that the security situation was being closely monitored, adding that intelligence gathering and coordinated patrols had already been intensified in vulnerable communities.

The council chairman appealed to residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing operations.

“We are doing everything possible to support the security agencies in restoring confidence and ensuring the safety of our people.

“Residents must avoid isolated routes, bushes and forest areas for now while the operations continue,” he said.

Olatunji also cautioned against spreading unverified information capable of creating panic among residents, noting that security agencies were already making significant progress in the ongoing operation.

He disclosed that operatives had expanded search operations into adjoining forest corridors believed to be used as hideouts by criminal gangs.

He added that surveillance activities had been strengthened around major entry and exit points linking Ibadan to neighbouring Ogun State along the Ijebu Ode axis to prevent illegal trans-border movement.

Earlier, at an emergency security meeting held at the Council Secretariat in Idi-Ayunre, stakeholders reviewed rising concerns over isolated criminal attacks and mapped out new strategies aimed at improving rapid response and intelligence sharing among agencies. (Nigerian Tribune)