The Ondo State Police Command has arrested at least 10 people suspected of involvement in kidnapping in Akure, the state capital.
The arrests came less than 48 hours after two other suspects were apprehended for allegedly supplying food, drinks and logistics to bandits operating in parts of the state.
Police Public Relations Officer DSP Abayomi Jimoh said in a statement Tuesday that the latest breakthrough followed sustained operations targeting kidnapping and other violent crimes across Ondo State.
The suspects were identified as 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.
“On Feb. 23, 2026, following a combined operation between the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Section and visiting PMF personnel deployed by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, operatives swiftly mobilized to locations along Ondo Road based on credible intelligence,” the statement said. “The operation led to the arrest of 10 suspects believed to be connected to a kidnapping syndicate.”
Police said they recovered an operational motorcycle and ransom money during the raid, including some burnt currency notes now being documented as exhibits.
The suspects reportedly made confessional statements detailing their alleged roles in the syndicate. Investigators are working to identify and apprehend other members still at large.
“The Ondo State Police Command is working to unravel the full scope of the syndicate’s operations and to identify and apprehend other accomplices who may still be at large,” the statement read.
Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal reassured residents of the command’s commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes, urging the public to provide timely and credible information.
He also called on communities to strengthen credible vigilante groups to complement police efforts, emphasizing that security is a shared responsibility.
Lawal said the command remains resolute in safeguarding lives and property across the state.
