Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has issued a stern warning to criminals, declaring that his administration will deploy all available resources to eradicate crime from the state. This declaration came on Tuesday when he commended officers and men of the Ogun State Police Command for their successful rescue operation involving a Nigerian and three Indian nationals who were kidnapped at Ilisan along the Sagamu-Benin Expressway last week.
Governor Abiodun lauded the bravery of the police force in rescuing the victims and emphasized that his administration has implemented measures to make Ogun State inhospitable for criminal activities.
“Last week, there were reports suggesting that over 20 people were kidnapped in this incident. However, the police quickly clarified that only four individuals were involved, not 20 as widely circulated,” the governor remarked. “A few days later, the state police command, through various creative and effective methods, successfully apprehended the kidnappers. During the operation, all the perpetrators were neutralized.”
Governor Abiodun reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on crime, warning criminals to stay away from Ogun State. “I want to send a clear message to criminals: Ogun State is off-limits. This recent success is just a preview of what the State Police Command has in store for anyone who attempts to disrupt our peace. If you challenge us, we will hunt you down, we will find you, and we will neutralize you,” he asserted.
He also highlighted the importance of security in fostering a conducive environment for investment and residence. “As Nigeria’s industrial capital, we are committed to maintaining peace and security. Any disruption of this peace can adversely affect investor confidence and the ease of doing business in our state. Hence, we continue to provide robust support to our law enforcement agencies,” the governor said.
Governor Abiodun’s recent recognition as the ‘Governor of the Year in State Security’ underscores the effectiveness of his administration’s security initiatives, investments, and support for security agencies. He expressed gratitude to the police officers involved in the recent rescue operation, acknowledging their dedication and bravery. “I specifically requested the Commissioner to bring the officers here so I could personally thank them. They risk their lives daily to ensure we can all sleep peacefully,” he noted.
The governor also commended the collaborative efforts of the police with other security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Army. “Our support for the police is yielding positive results. I appreciate the Commissioner of Police for motivating his men and fostering cooperation with other law enforcement agencies,” he added.
Governor Abiodun revealed that he had discussed the poor condition of the Sagamu-Ijebu Ode Expressway with President Bola Tinubu. The President has directed the Minister of Works to address the bad spots which criminals exploit to ambush travelers.
Earlier, the State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, introduced the officers who participated in the rescue operation. He disclosed that the kidnappers engaged in a fierce gun battle with the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad, led by an officer recently transferred from Oyo State. Items recovered from the scene included five AK-47 rifles, 109 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, eight AK-47 magazines, and two cell phones.
Commissioner Alamutu reaffirmed the commitment of the state’s security architecture to the safety of lives and property, especially in the areas where the incident occurred. He thanked the state government for its continuous support of the Command.
This decisive action by the Ogun State government and the police force sends a strong message to criminals and reinforces the state’s commitment to maintaining law and order.
