The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has praised the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, as well as the governors of Ogun and Lagos states for what it described as decisive efforts to tackle kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes along the notorious Sagamu-Ore Road corridor.
The group said the recent coordinated security operations involving the Nigeria Police Force and the governments of Ogun and Lagos states have significantly reduced criminal activities on the highway, restoring confidence among motorists and residents who use the route.
In a letter of commendation issued on Tuesday on behalf of Afenifere leader and Asiwaju Yoruba, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the organisation applauded the Inspector-General of Police, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Commissioners of Police in both states for their commitment to improving security.
The letter, released in Ibadan, Oyo State, was signed by Afenifere’s National Organising Secretary, Kole Omololu.
According to the organisation, the success recorded in the operations reflects purposeful leadership, effective policing and strong collaboration between neighbouring states in tackling cross-border crime.
Afenifere noted that insecurity along the Sagamu-Ore Road had become a major concern for travellers, transport operators and communities located along the busy highway, making the recent security gains particularly important.
The organisation stated that the support provided by the Ogun and Lagos State governments had created a better working environment for security agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
“The commitment shown by the Ogun and Lagos State governors in supporting security agencies has created an enabling environment for law enforcement personnel to discharge their constitutional responsibilities effectively,” the group said.
It also praised the Inspector-General of Police for providing strategic leadership and promoting intelligence-driven policing, which it said had strengthened the ability of the Nigeria Police Force to tackle organised crime.
“We applaud the Inspector-General of Police for providing strategic operational direction and advancing intelligence-led policing, which has strengthened the Nigeria Police Force’s capacity to combat organised crime,” the statement added.
Afenifere reserved special praise for the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Olubode Ojajuni, describing him as an officer with a deep understanding of the operational terrain.
The group said his knowledge of the area and experience had demonstrated the importance of local intelligence in identifying and tracking criminal gangs operating within forests and communities around the highway.
According to Afenifere, security operations become more effective when officers understand the environment in which criminal groups operate and are able to work closely with local communities.
The organisation also commended the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, for providing operational support that contributed to the success of the joint security operations.
It noted that the deployment of specialised equipment, logistics and other operational resources helped security personnel to carry out their assignment more effectively.
Afenifere further paid tribute to the police officers and other security personnel who participated in the operations, describing them as courageous, patriotic and professional.
The group acknowledged the risks faced daily by security officers while confronting heavily armed criminals and said their sacrifices should be appreciated by all Nigerians.
It stressed that sustained security operations remain necessary to ensure that criminal groups do not regain control of the affected areas.
Reaffirming its support for continued action against kidnappers and bandits, Afenifere declared that there should be no safe haven for violent criminals anywhere in Yorubaland.
“The message is unequivocal: ‘Kosaye,’ there is no place for evil in Yorubaland. Those who seek to threaten the peace, security and prosperity of our people will continue to face the full weight of the law,” the organisation stated.
It added that the people of the South-West expect security agencies to sustain the current momentum and ensure that highways, communities and forests remain safe for residents and travellers.
The Sagamu-Ore Road is one of Nigeria’s busiest highways, linking Lagos and other South-West states with Ondo, Edo, Delta and several states in the South-South and South-East. Thousands of commercial vehicles, private motorists and haulage trucks travel on the route every day.
However, in recent years, parts of the highway have become notorious for kidnapping, armed robbery and attacks on motorists. Criminal gangs have often taken advantage of isolated stretches of the road and nearby forests to ambush travellers, abduct victims and demand huge ransom payments from their families.
The growing insecurity along the corridor had raised concerns among transport unions, business owners and residents, with many calling on the Federal Government and security agencies to strengthen surveillance and increase patrols.
In response, security agencies have intensified joint operations involving police tactical units, intelligence teams and other security personnel, particularly across Ogun, Lagos and neighbouring states. The operations have reportedly led to the arrest of suspected kidnappers, the rescue of victims and the recovery of weapons and other items used by criminal groups.
Afenifere said the recent success recorded along the Sagamu-Ore corridor shows the value of such collaboration and should serve as a model for addressing insecurity in other parts of the country.
The organisation concluded by expressing the appreciation of the Yoruba people to the Inspector-General of Police, the governors of Ogun and Lagos states, the Commissioners of Police and all security personnel involved in the operations.
It urged them not to relax their efforts, noting that sustained pressure on criminal gangs would help preserve peace, protect lives and property, and boost public confidence in the country’s security institutions.
The group also called on residents and road users to continue supporting security agencies by providing useful information that could help prevent crime and ensure that kidnappers, bandits and other violent criminals are denied any opportunity to operate within the region.