Wilfred Afolabi, the commissioner of Police in Ondo, has said that the use of hi-tech security equipment would help address the prevailing security challenges—particularly kidnapping—in the state.

Mr Afolabi explained that if the police command were equipped with modern devices such as drones, trackers, and lawful interception machines, tackling crimes in the state would be seamless.

He spoke over the weekend at an interactive session with journalists at the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ in Akure.

“Kidnapping has now gone highly sophisticated, and you can confirm it from anybody. We can’t use the same old method, or maybe the approach of the ’70s, ’80s, or even the ’90s to address these present security challenges. We can’t use the orthodox method to address present security challenges.

“Most of our vehicles are grounded, but their refurbishing is ongoing through the financial assistance of the people. We need a military drone that can go 50km, live tracking devices to locate criminals, lawful interception (LI) machines, and fuel for vehicles, among other things.

“In a lot of states where they are having successes and breakthroughs, they have hi-tech machines, drones, lawful interception (LI) machines, and live tracking devices, but here, we don’t have them,” Mr Afolabi said.

He added, “So, most times, whenever there is an incident of kidnapping, we deploy our men into the bush to comb the area. That is archaic, and you can hardly achieve much success.”

The police boss attributed the incessant kidnappings in the state to the influx of immigrants, explaining that the rate at which people are relocating is worsening the prevailing security challenges.

According to him, some of these immigrants have turned to criminal elements, flooding the forest reserves and boundary communities, particularly in the Owo and Akoko areas of the state.

“There is no doubt that the rate at which people are migrating and relocating into Ondo State is further worsening the prevailing security challenges we have,” the CP said.

He stated that despite these challenges, the police command was not resting on its oars in flushing out criminal elements in the state.

According to Mr Afolabi, the successes achieved so far were due to synergy with other security agencies, as well as the deployment of a private tracker to track down criminals.

“What I had to do was get a private tracker. And when the guy came, he was deployed along with almost six tactical teams.

“In the process, at least 10 confirmed suspected kidnappers were arrested, and they are presently in our custody,” Mr Afolabi added.

While warning criminal elements to stay away from the state, he highlighted some of the challenges the police command faces in carrying out its duties, particularly the lack of patrol vehicles and other essential logistics needed for smooth operations.