Nigeria’s House of Representatives has asked the National Security Adviser to coordinate a joint security operation involving relevant federal security agencies to identify and dismantle criminal camps operating within forests around the Ekiti/Kogi/Kwara border axis.
The menace of the criminals have resulted in the growing wave of kidnappings, killings and violent attacks in several communities within Ekiti North1 Federal Constituency
The House also called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and other relevant security agencies, to immediately intensify security operations in the Oke-Ako, Ipao, Irele, Itapaji, Iyemero and neighbouring communities in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti
State.
These resolutions followed a pmotion of urgent public importance by the House Spokesperson and member prepresenting Ekiti North 1 Federal Constituency, Akin Rotimi Jnr.
Rotimi Jnr in his motion, drew lawmakers attention to kidnapping incidents along the Oke-Ako/Ipao/Irele corridor where criminal gangs operating from nearby forests continue to abduct residents, farmers and travellers, creating widespread fear and insecurity among the local populace.
The lawmaker recounted an incident in late February 2026 involving a middle-aged woman, who was abducted, sexually assaulted and killed by kidnappers in the Ajoni area of the State, after the perpetrators allegedly demanded a ransom of 1.5 million naira together with illicit drugs and other unusual items before releasing the victim’s remains
According to him, members of the community who attempted to negotiate and deliver ransom in connection with the incident, were also abducted by the same criminal group, escalating tensions within the affected communities
He revealed that Itapaji, Iyemero, Oke-Ako, Irele, Ijowa and Ipao communities have reported that armed criminal groups have effectively occupied surrounding forests and rural routes, using these locations as operational bases for kidnapping and attacks on residents, forcing many farmers to abandon their farmlands
Rotimi Jnr warned that leaving the escalating kidnap incidents in the federal constituency unchecked could undermine public confidence in security institutions and further destabilize rural economic and social life within Ekiti State.
He called for decisive and coordinated security intervention to protect lives, property and restore confidence among residents in the ability of government to pguarantee their safety.
The House mandated it’s committees on Defence, Army, Police Affairs, National Security and Intelligence to engage the relevant security agencies to ascertain the steps being taken to address the situation and report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
