Paul Ayeni, a retired Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps commandant, has advised community leaders in Ogun to make forests in their domains inhabitable for kidnappers.

He gave the advice in an interview on Thursday in Abeokuta while reacting to the spate of kidnappings and other security challenges currently facing Ogun.

Mr Ayeni, who is also a life coach and chairman of ECOsafe Ltd., said forests were becoming operational bases for criminal activities, which should not be allowed.

“On May 3, suspected kidnappers allegedly abducted seven, while a yet-to-be-identified traveller was killed on Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode expressway. On May 4, some male nationals were also reportedly kidnapped on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. 

“This is condemnable and uncalled for. It is now time for our security operatives to join hands with community leaders in making forests inhabitable for criminals,” he said.

According to him, criminal activities may cause investors to flee Nigeria.

The security expert, however, commended the police command in Ogun for working with other security formations and local security outfits to rescue victims unhurt on the Benin-Sagamu-Papalanto axis on May 7.

Mr Ayeni said some communities were located around the kidnappers’ hideouts and pleaded with leaders in those communities to bring down the forests.

“With this, the kidnappers will take to their heels,” he said.

Mr Ayeni also urged security organisations to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to tackle illicit drug intake.

He noted that illicit drug consumption had been aiding criminalities. 

(NAN)