Ondo Police Command Records Landmark Successes Under CP Adebowale Lawal
The Ondo State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in the fight against crime, arresting over 200 suspects and securing 35 convictions since July 2, 2025, when Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Adebowale Lawal, PSC+, MNIPS, assumed office as the 46th CP of the State.
In line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, and in collaboration with the Ondo State Government led by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Command intensified its crime-fighting strategies, leading to the arrest of no fewer than 208 suspects for offences ranging from kidnapping, murder, rape, armed robbery, cultism, and theft to fraudulent property conversion. Out of these, 99 have been charged to court, with 35 convictions already secured.
Within 72 hours, the Command successfully apprehended all those involved in the killing of two students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA). Similarly, in less than five days, a commercial motorcyclist who acted as an informant for kidnappers in the abduction of an AAUA staff member was arrested along with his gang members.
The Command has also recovered 25 firearms, including prohibited rifles, cut-to-size locally fabricated pistols, and a Beretta pistol, in addition to 12 stolen vehicles. Other notable feats include the arrest of a deadly robbery syndicate in Ondo town, the capture of three suspected transnational criminals, and the rescue of 39 foreign nationals held against their will.
Beyond arrests, the Command has introduced proactive measures such as regular community engagements with traditional rulers, youth groups, and stakeholders to foster trust and intelligence-led policing. Just last week, 150 members of the Owo Security Network (OSN) were trained to work closely with the Police in strengthening security across the state.
The Command’s synergy with other security agencies and community-based organizations has drawn commendation. During a recent visit, participants of Course 36 of the National Institute of Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, praised the state’s security architecture. Vice President Kashim Shettima also lauded Ondo State’s relative peace during his visit to launch the MSME programme.
The Command’s operational capability has been further boosted by the donation of a gunboat by the Inspector-General of Police for waterway patrols, as well as operational vehicles and logistics support provided by Governor Aiyedatiwa. Officers’ morale has also been lifted through welfare reforms, promotions for 70 officers, and the removal of the Nigeria Police Force from the contributory pension scheme.
While acknowledging a few security breaches, the Command assured that suspects would be pursued and brought to justice. It also appealed to residents to remain vigilant, provide timely information, and resist aiding criminal elements, noting the troubling involvement of some commercial motorcyclists in kidnapping cases.
The Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Ondo State, stressing that with continued government support and community cooperation, the state will remain one of the safest in Nigeria.
