Staff of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) abducted at the institute’s premises last week have regained their freedom.
Also released are staff of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), who were kidnapped along the Ibadan–Abeokuta road.
Family sources confirmed the victims’ release.
Meanwhile, a joint security taskforce has launched operations in forests within Oluyole Local Government Area to flush out criminal elements from their hideouts.
Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Akeem Olatunji, warned criminal elements against seeking refuge in the area, stating that anyone found engaging in unlawful activities would face the consequences.
Confirming the development, Olatunji said security efforts had been intensified and urged criminals to stay away from the council area.
He also advised residents and travellers to avoid isolated and forested areas while security operations are ongoing.
Speaking after a high-level security meeting involving security agencies and local stakeholders at the council secretariat in Idi-Ayunre, Olatunji said the local government would sustain efforts to rid the area of criminal activities.
According to him, joint security teams comprising the police, Amotekun Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local vigilantes, and hunters are combing forests and difficult terrains in a coordinated operation.
He added that intelligence gathering and patrols had been strengthened in vulnerable communities.
The council chairman urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible information.
“We are doing everything possible to support security agencies in restoring confidence and ensuring the safety of our people. Residents should avoid isolated routes, bushes, and forest areas for now while operations continue,” he said.
Olatunji also cautioned against the spread of unverified information capable of causing panic, noting that security agencies were making progress.
He disclosed that surveillance had been intensified around key entry and exit points linking Ibadan to neighbouring Ogun State, particularly along the Ijebu-Ode axis, to prevent cross-border criminal activities.
At the emergency security meeting, stakeholders reviewed recent security concerns and agreed on measures to improve intelligence sharing and rapid response among agencies.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
