By Kayode Olabanji

Afenifere National Youth President, Prince Eniola Ojajuni, has exposed the existence of well-organised kidnapping camps operating across four states in Southwest Nigeria.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Ojajuni, who was recently abducted by Fulani herdsmen in Ondo State, revealed shocking intelligence about these camps.

According to him, there are:27 kidnapping camps in Ondo State, 16 camps in Ekiti State, 7 camps in Osun State, and 5 camps in Ogun State.

Ojajuni urged the Southwest Governors’ Forum to immediately convene a regional security summit, including youth representatives, to tackle the escalating crisis.

“I propose the urgent establishment of a Southwest Youth Security Network in collaboration with the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria Forest Guards Team. This initiative will enhance intelligence gathering, strengthen community surveillance, and ensure swift reporting and response to suspicious activities.”

Recounting his harrowing ordeal, Ojajuni revealed that he was abducted on February 17, 2025, while traveling near Akunu Akoko, Ondo State, on his way to Abuja. Armed Fulani herdsmen, disguised in military uniforms, ambushed his vehicle near a military checkpoint.

“They fired 19 bullets at our vehicle, injuring me and others before dragging us into captivity. I endured 12 grueling days in their camp, suffering two gunshot wounds, one narrowly missing my spinal cord. They beat me 72 times a day and subjected fellow captives, especially women, to brutal mistreatment.”

Ojajuni described how the kidnappers operated with military-like coordination, wielding over 20 AK-47 rifles and using advanced technology to track communications, negotiate ransoms, and evade security forces.

“They initially arranged for my ransom to be paid in Ikare, but later moved it to Ibilo after detecting security surveillance. They searched my phone, blocked certain contacts, and monitored social media.”

Ojajuni disclosed that the criminals plan to intensify abductions in Ondo and Lagos States, using their hidden camps as operational bases. They also mentioned active routes along the Sagamu–Ijebu Ode Road near Oso-Sa Ijebu, indicating a well-planned network.

He warned that if security agencies do not act swiftly, more innocent lives will be at risk.

Ojajuni urged the Nigerian government to take decisive steps to combat the crisis by: deploying additional security personnel to high-risk areas

He called  for the need to establish more security checkpoints along highways and forest borders, enhancing intelligence-gathering and surveillance operations, and identifying and prosecuting collaborators aiding criminals

He commended the Inspector General of Police for launching an intelligence-driven rescue operation and praised the Nigeria Forest Guards Team for their swift intervention.

“Nigerians are resilient, but we cannot continue living under constant fear. Our leaders must be held accountable, and we must demand immediate solutions to end this reign of terror. The time for action is NOW.”

Ojajuni also saluted the bravery of fellow captives and expressed gratitude to his wife and younger brother, Amos Ojajuni, for their relentless efforts in securing his release.