The Commander of the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) in Osun State, Hammed Nureni, has raised concerns over the alleged movement of criminal elements through forest routes connecting Oyo, Osun, Ogun and Ekiti states, Ribsmedia reports.
Nureni warned that forest belts and border communities have increasingly become transit and escape routes for armed groups, particularly as military operations intensify against insurgents and bandits in parts of northern Nigeria.
According to him, the situation could become more challenging when the Sasa River dries up, creating easier access for suspected terrorists to move between Oyo and Osun states through surrounding forest corridors.
He identified several vulnerable communities, including Imesi-Ile, Oke-Imesi, Ora and Oyan, as areas requiring enhanced surveillance and security monitoring.
The NFSS commander disclosed that security operatives recently acted on intelligence reports concerning suspicious movements around the Sasa River axis. However, the suspects reportedly fled before they could be apprehended.
Nureni called on government authorities to strengthen security efforts in forested border areas and provide greater support for thousands of trained local hunters assisting in surveillance and intelligence gathering operations.
He emphasized that improved coordination among security agencies and local communities would be critical to preventing criminal elements from exploiting forest routes across the region.
Source: Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS), Osun State Command.
