The monarch of Akure urges Tinubu and security forces to remain vigilant until peace is fully restored.

The Deji of Akureland, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, has expressed deep concern over the security challenges plaguing the South West and Nigeria as a whole, describing the situation as worrisome.

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Oba Aladelusi has appealed to President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to intensify their efforts to rescue the kidnapped students and teachers in Oyo State, emphasizing the need for timely action.

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This appeal was made during a visit by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the South West, DIG Fayoade Mustapha, to the monarch's palace in Akure, the state capital.

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The monarch lamented the worsening insecurity in Nigeria, which has now spread to parts of the South West, causing immense emotional and mental stress to the kidnapped victims and their families.

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Oba Aladelusi described the situation as a "sad scenario that calls for urgent and proactive action", highlighting the need for collective efforts to address the security challenges.

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He acknowledged the efforts of security agencies in combating crime, but stressed that more needs to be done to completely eradicate insurgency, kidnapping, banditry, and other forms of criminality.

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The Deji of Akureland thanked DIG Mustapha for his visit and urged him to prioritize police welfare to boost the morale of officers, which is essential for effective policing.

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DIG Mustapha commended Oba Aladelusi for his support to the police through crime prevention and community policing initiatives, recognizing the crucial role traditional rulers play in crime control.

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The DIG assured the monarch that the police are working tirelessly to secure the safe and timely return of all the kidnapped victims in Oyo State, leaving no stone unturned in their efforts.

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In a related development, the Ondo State Police Command conducted an extensive operational sweep of Ilu-Abo Forest and adjoining communities, led by top officers and tactical commanders.

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The operation, according to the command's spokesperson, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, was part of a sustained offensive against kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and other violent crimes, aiming to disrupt criminal networks and deny criminals freedom of movement.

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DSP Abayomi explained that the operation involved combing identified flashpoints, forest corridors, and suspected criminal enclaves, resulting in the location and dismantling of several suspected hideouts.

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Makeshift camps and structures believed to have been used for criminal activities were destroyed, and operatives conducted intensive searches of the surrounding forest to prevent the re-establishment of such camps.

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The police spokesperson reiterated the command's commitment to proactive, intelligence-driven policing, emphasizing that forests and remote locations in the state will not be allowed to serve as sanctuaries for kidnappers and other criminals.

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DSP Abayomi assured law-abiding residents that the command will sustain aggressive operations across all identified criminal hotspots until all threats are effectively neutralized, stressing the command's determination to protect lives and property.

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The Ondo State Police Command remains resolute in its determination to protect lives and property, and has urged the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to keep the state safe.