Ondo Police Achieve Major Breakthroughs in Anti-Crime Operations Across the State
By Exponent News Akure,18th May, 2025.
The Ondo State Police Command has recorded a string of significant successes in its ongoing campaign against criminal activities, ranging from kidnapping and cultism to armed robbery and vehicle theft. The Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, made this known during a press briefing held at the Command Headquarters in Akure on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
Kidnap Victim Rescued, Suspect Arrested in Ikare
In a daring midnight operation around 12:20 am, a combined tactical team of police operatives and local hunters rescued a kidnap victim, Ogunniyi Semiu, from a forest near Supare Mine in Akoko North-East LGA. The victim was abducted on May 14 around Ikare Mine. The kidnappers had demanded ₦14 million as ransom.
Following credible intelligence, the joint team ambushed the suspects, leading to a fierce gun battle. Several suspects sustained gunshot wounds, and one of them—Babuga Muhammed of Igana, Iseyin, Oyo State—was arrested. Semiu was rescued unhurt, and no ransom was paid. The suspect is receiving treatment under police custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang members.
Three More Suspected Kidnappers in Custody
In a related development, the Command apprehended three other suspected kidnappers, all of whom confessed to participating in various abductions across the state. They are:
Ibrahim Umar, 25, arrested in Sabo Soja, Owo.
Paul Osanyinduro, 38, arrested at Africa Kingdom Restaurant, Owo.
Abubakar Bamoh, 30, arrested at a Fulani camp in Igbara-Oke Mine. Bamoh is alleged to be a key logistics provider for kidnapping syndicates and is linked to a cross-border abduction case originating from Osun State. He is currently cooperating with investigators.
Major Blow Against Cultism in Owo
On May 15, operatives from ‘B’ Division in Owo arrested Aliu Raymond, 42, a known member of the Eye cult group, in Isuada. Raymond, who had long been on the police wanted list, confessed to multiple crimes, including a recent attack on a motorcycle rider.
Another suspect, Olaoluwa Olootu, 27, was also apprehended in Isuada for cult-related activities. Police continue to work closely with community leaders to dismantle cult groups and prevent their recruitment efforts.
Recovery of Firearms and Arrest of Armed Robbers
Responding to a robbery report on May 14, police operatives recovered a cut-to-size single-barrel gun at the scene of an armed attack on a motorcycle rider and his passenger in Yaba. The victims were rushed to the Trauma Centre in Ondo, while efforts to capture the assailants continue.
In another case on May 6, a gang violently robbed one Innocent Kazi of his motorcycle near one Radio station in Akure. Through forensic analysis and digital tracking, the SWAT unit arrested two suspects, including Hasminu Jibirimi. The suspects confessed and identified Yahaya as their accomplice responsible for transporting stolen bikes to the north.
Preventing Communal Clashes in Akoko South-East
Acting swiftly on intelligence of an impending communal crisis between Isua Akoko and Sosan Akoko over boundary disputes, the Command facilitated a peace dialogue involving traditional leaders and Fulani representatives. Farmers expressed concerns over farmland destruction, while all parties were urged to maintain peace and respect ongoing legal processes.
“I remind us all: no grievance justifies violence. Even world wars ended on the negotiation table. Peace must always prevail,” CP Afolabi stated.
Vehicle Theft Ring Busted
Two suspected car thieves, Hammed Olabode, 35, and Adegoke Olayemi, 45, were arrested by the SWAT team following actionable intelligence. The suspects confessed to stealing several vehicles statewide. Two stolen Volkswagen Vento cars—green and wine-coloured—have so far been recovered.
Summary of Arrests and Recoveries
Suspects Arrested:
Kidnappers: 4
Armed Robber: 1
Cultists: 3
Vehicle Theft: 2
Firearms Recovery: 2
Total Arrests: 12
Items Recovered:
3 Single-barrel rifles
1 Cut-to-size pistol
1 AA ammunition
2 Volkswagen Vento vehicles
3 Motorcycles
1 Techno mobile phone
1 Solar panel
A Call for Public Vigilance
CP Afolabi reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to professionalism, impartiality, and resolute law enforcement. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
According to the CP Afolabi he said “Together, we can and will build a safer Ondo State,” the Commissioner assured.
For more information, contact the Ondo State Police Command via:
Phone: 08132188976
