"In the next two weeks, a special squad will be deployed to Ondo and other South-West states to tackle kidnappings and other security issues."
The police authorities have said plans are underway to deploy a special squad to curb kidnappings, banditry and other forms of crime in the South-West region of the country.
Inspector-General of Police, Adamu Muhammed, made the disclosure on Wednesday in Akure, capital of Ondo State, during a visit to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on Wednesday.
In recent weeks, the South-West region has become a major hub for bandits robbing and abducting motorists for ransom.
Muhammed, who was represented by Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Abdulmajid Ali, said officers are currently undergoing training at a camp in Abuja, Nigeria's capital, and will soon be dispatched to all states in the South-West.
He said, "I decided to start with Ondo state before I travel to Ekiti and Osun states because Ondo is one of the focus areas in recent times.
"Security is one of the first pillars of any government in serving the people.
"If security is not provided, there won't be peace in that area and the governor too would find it difficult to operate.
"In the next two weeks, a special squad will be deployed to Ondo and other South-West states to tackle kidnappings and other security issues."
Governor Akeredolu while speaking during the meeting, said that his administration was worried about the security challenges in Ondo.
Akeredolu, who was represented by his deputy, Agboola Ajayi, emphasised the need for the police to double up in their efforts at combating crime.
He said, "The police must engage the community and this is important.
"Even if you have 200,000 policemen in a community, you need the corporation of the people in that community for you to be able to carry out your job effectively."