The National Youth President of Afenifere, Eniola Ojajuni, has disclosed that kidnappers have established at least 55 camps across the South-West, using them as bases for their criminal activities.
Ojajuni, who was held captive for 12 days, stated on Sunday that Ondo State harbors the highest number of these camps, followed by Ekiti, Osun, and Ogun states. He urged authorities to conduct security operations in forests across Edo, Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Ibilo, and Lagos states to dismantle the kidnappers’ hideouts.
Recounting his experience in captivity, Ojajuni revealed that the criminals openly discussed their plans to increase abductions in Ondo and Lagos states. He noted that they also mentioned their operations along the Sagamu–Ijebu Ode Road, near Oso-Sa Ijebu, weeks before his own abduction.
“The criminals have established well-organised kidnapping camps across South-West Nigeria, strategically positioned for their operations: Ondo State – 27 camps; Ekiti State – 16 camps; Osun State – seven camps; Ogun State – five camps,” he said.
Ojajuni was kidnapped on February 17, 2025, while traveling from Ondo State to Abuja. His abduction sparked widespread concern, with images and videos surfacing online, showing him in distress while his captors demanded a N100 million ransom.
Following intense efforts by security agencies, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, deployed officers from the Intelligence Response Team, leading to Ojajuni’s release.
Speaking after regaining freedom, Ojajuni urged South-West leaders to take urgent action against the rising insecurity in the region. He called for the creation of a strong regional security network in partnership with the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Forest Guards.
“The Ondo State government, in particular, has been criticised for its lack of urgency in addressing this crisis,” Ojajuni remarked. “The growing audacity of these criminals must not go unchecked. Immediate action is needed to restore security and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
He further stated that he was willing to share intelligence gathered during his captivity to help dismantle the criminal networks.
Ojajuni also stressed the need for more security checkpoints along highways and forest borders, saying the government must deploy additional personnel to high-risk areas, strengthen intelligence gathering, and identify those aiding the kidnappers.
He commended the Inspector General of Police for his swift intervention and acknowledged the efforts of the Nigeria Forest Team. However, he noted that more work needs to be done to ensure the safety of people in the South-West.
“This intelligence should serve as a wake-up call to all security agencies and state governments in the South-West. If urgent measures are not taken, more innocent lives will beat risk,” he warned.
