The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, as well as the Governors of Dapo Abiodun and Babajide Sanwo-Olu for what it described as their decisive and coordinated response to the menace of banditry and kidnapping along the notorious Sagamu-Ore Road corridor.
The organisation also applauded the Commissioners of Police in Ogun and Lagos states for their roles in the security operations that it said had significantly reduced criminal activities and restored public confidence along the strategic highway.
The commendation was contained in a letter issued on Tuesday on behalf of Afenifere leader and Asiwaju Yoruba, Reuben Fasoranti. A copy of the letter was obtained in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The letter, signed by Afenifere’s National Organising Secretary, Kole Omololu, praised the security agencies and the affected state governments for demonstrating purposeful leadership and effective collaboration in addressing insecurity along one of the country’s busiest transport corridors.
According to the organisation, the recent security operations have yielded noticeable improvements, with incidents of kidnapping and armed attacks along the Sagamu-Ore Road reportedly declining following intensified surveillance, coordinated patrols and intelligence-driven operations.
Afenifere described the joint efforts of the police hierarchy, state governments and security personnel as a model worthy of emulation in tackling criminality across other parts of the country.
The organisation noted that the success of the operations underscored the importance of cooperation among security agencies and state governments in combating increasingly sophisticated criminal networks.
In the letter, Afenifere stated that the renewed security measures had restored hope to commuters, commercial transport operators and businesses that rely heavily on the Sagamu-Ore highway for the movement of people and goods.
The group said the visible improvement in security demonstrated that determined leadership, adequate coordination and professional policing could produce meaningful results in the fight against violent crime.
It further described the operations as evidence that inter-state collaboration remains a critical component in addressing security challenges that transcend state boundaries.
The Sagamu-Ore Road serves as one of Nigeria’s major highways, linking Lagos and other South-West states with the South-South and South-East regions. In recent years, sections of the road have gained notoriety following repeated incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery and violent attacks on motorists.
The security concerns had generated widespread anxiety among travellers, transport unions and residents, with many calling for stronger government intervention to restore safety along the route.
Afenifere itself had previously voiced serious concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Yorubaland and other parts of Nigeria.
Tuesday, May 5, the organisation publicly expressed displeasure over the increasing cases of kidnapping, terror attacks and other violent crimes affecting communities across the South-West and beyond.
At the time, the group urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives and property, warning that persistent insecurity posed a significant threat to economic activities and national stability.
Against that backdrop, Afenifere said the latest security operations along the Sagamu-Ore corridor represent a welcome development and an encouraging response to the concerns previously raised by the organisation and the general public.
The group stressed that while the progress recorded deserves commendation, security agencies should not relent in their efforts, warning that criminal elements could attempt to regroup if sustained pressure is not maintained.
It therefore called for continuous intelligence gathering, increased patrols, deployment of modern surveillance technology and closer cooperation among federal and state security institutions to ensure that the gains already achieved are not reversed.
Afenifere also urged other state governments facing similar security challenges to adopt collaborative approaches capable of improving operational efficiency and enhancing public safety.
The organisation maintained that safeguarding major highways is essential not only for protecting citizens but also for promoting commerce, investment and regional integration.
It expressed optimism that sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force, state governments and other security agencies would further strengthen public confidence and contribute to lasting peace across the South-West and other parts of the country.
The commendation from the influential Yoruba socio-political organisation comes at a time when security remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing national concerns, with governments at various levels under increasing pressure to tackle kidnapping, banditry and other forms of violent crime through coordinated and proactive measures.
