Troops comb Ondo forest for kidnappers, arrest three

Following the incessant kidnapping incidents in Ondo State, the Nigerian Army has begun a clearance operation within Owo and Ose Local Government Areas of the state which are being used for various nefarious activities.

Speaking on the development, the Assistant Director Army Public Relations of 32 Artillery Brigade, Major Ojo Adenegan, said the clearance operation is aimed at ensuring the safety of travellers along Owo and Ose roads.

He, however, disclosed that three suspected kidnappers have been arrested by the troops during the operation.

According to him, two of the suspected kidnappers were arrested during the first day of the operation while one other was arrested on Thursday, with an assurance to rid the forest of criminals and their activities.

He explained that the operations would take the men of the 32 Artillery Brigade into the thick forest between Owo and Akoko road being used for the collection of ransoms from kidnap victims, rape and other sundry crimes.

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Adenegan said the operation is also aimed to complement the ongoing efforts of the joint security agencies in the state to curtail the activities of kidnappers and other criminal elements.

He said, “you will recall that some kidnap victims were released a few days back after a shootout with some of the kidnappers and also the arrest of two suspects who are currently undergoing interrogation.

“Members of the public within these localities are advised not to panic as the massive deployment is to checkmate the activists of these hoodlums while creating a conducive environment for the communities to carry out their legitimate activities.

“All useful information on the movements of the kidnappers and their collaborators should be forwarded to the security agencies in the state.”