How Ondo Police Cracked Down on Kidnapping Den, Arrest 10 Suspects
The Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police (CP) Adebowale Lawal, psc(+), mnips, has recorded another significant breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state with the arrest of 10 suspected kidnappers and the recovery of ransom money in Akure.
On February 23, 2026, following a joint operation between the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Section and visiting Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel approved and deployed by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, to Ondo State as operational support, operatives swiftly mobilised to locations along Ondo Road based on credible and actionable intelligence.
The intelligence-driven operation led to the arrest of 10 suspects believed to be connected to the kidnapping syndicate. The suspects are: Muritala Muhammed (22), Mustapha Adamu (20), Usman Ibrahim (25), Amisu Aruna (28), Asiru Abdulasis (20), Abduliu Sanni (22), Ibrahim Suraju (20), Noah Isiaku (20), Abdulahi Suraju (20), and Arabi Hamet (18).
During the operation, an operational motorcycle and ransom money were recovered from the suspects. Notably, part of the recovered cash comprised burnt currency notes, which are currently being documented as exhibits in the ongoing investigation.
The suspects have reportedly made useful confessional statements detailing the individual roles they played within the syndicate. Relevant exhibits recovered are being processed as investigations continue. The Command is working assiduously to unravel the full scope of the syndicate’s operations and to identify and apprehend other accomplices who may still be at large.
The Commissioner of Police reassured residents of Ondo State of the Command’s unwavering commitment to ridding the state of kidnapping and other heinous crimes. He urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information, noting that community partnership remains vital in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.
CP Lawal further emphasised that security is a collective responsibility and should not be left solely in the hands of the police. He encouraged communities across Ondo State to organise and strengthen credible vigilante groups to complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.
He noted that effective community participation, timely intelligence sharing, and close collaboration with law enforcement would significantly enhance crime prevention and response. The Commissioner reassured residents that the Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property, while calling on all stakeholders to play their part in sustaining peace and security across the state.
The Command reiterated that it remains resolute in its mandate to protect lives and property and will not relent in bringing perpetrators of crime to justice.
