The Ondo State Police Command says it has arrested a total of 208 suspects for various crimes, including robbery, kidnapping, murder, unlawful possession of firearms, among others in the state.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olushola, gave the figures in a statement on Wednesday in Akure.
Olushola said that the command had equally recovered 25 firearms, including prohibited rifles, cut-to-size locally fabricated pistols, and a Beretta pistol during the period under review.
According to him, the command under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Abayomi Lawal has employed several strategies to ensure the safety and security of lives and property in the state.
The statement read: “The Ondo State Police Command under the leadership of the 46th Commissioner of Police, CP Abayomi Adebowale Lawal, PSC+, MNIPS, since assumption of office on 2nd July 2025, has continued to record remarkable achievements in the fight against crime and criminality across the State.
“In line with the operational directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, and in close collaboration with the Government of Ondo State ably led by His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Command has intensified its crime-fighting strategies, resulting in the arrest of no fewer than 208 suspects for various offences ranging from kidnapping, murder, rape, armed robbery, cultism, car and motorcycle theft, to fraudulent conversion of properties. Out of these, 99 suspects have been arraigned in court, while not less than 35 convictions have already been secured, reflecting the Command’s unwavering commitment to diligent investigation and prosecution.
“It is worthy of note that in less than 72 hours, the Command successfully arrested all individuals involved in the killing of two students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA).
“Similarly, in less than five days, the Command apprehended a commercial motorcycle operator (“okada rider”) who doubled as an informant for kidnappers and his gang in the case involving the abduction of an AAUA staff member. All those connected to this heinous crime have since been arrested and are undergoing prosecution.
“In addition, the Command has so far recovered 25 firearms, including prohibited rifles, cut-to-size locally fabricated pistols, and a Beretta pistol, alongside 12 stolen vehicles from criminal syndicates. Among several notable breakthroughs are:
“The arrest of a suspected murderer and armed robbery syndicate operating within Ondo town, ending their reign of terror.
“The arrest of three suspected transnational criminal gang members, linked to cross-border crimes.
“The successful rescue of 39 foreign nationals who were unlawfully held against their will, demonstrating the Command’s capacity to respond swiftly to high-stakes incidents.
“Beyond arrests and prosecution, the Command has emplaced several proactive measures to checkmate crime. These include:
“Community Engagements: The Commissioner of Police has continually engaged traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders in building trust and fostering intelligence-led policing.
“Capacity Development: Just last week, the Command trained about 150 members of the Owo Security Network (OSN)—a vigilante group that has pledged to work overtly and covertly with the Police to enhance security across the State. This is one of several more capacity-building efforts to come.
“Synergy with Security Stakeholders: The Command continues to collaborate effectively with sister security agencies, non-state actors, and community-based organizations to create a united front against crime.
“The credibility of these efforts has not gone unnoticed. When Course 36 of the National Institute of Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos visited Ondo State, they commended all security agencies for their synergy and effectiveness, noting that Ondo State remains one of the most peaceful States in Nigeria.
“This position was further buttressed by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, during his recent visit to launch the MSME programme, where he applauded the State’s security architecture and relative peace.
“The Command acknowledges the unflinching support of the Inspector-General of Police and the Executive Governor of Ondo State. The IGP recently donated a gunboat to the Command for effective patrol of the waterways, while the Governor of Ondo State generously provided operational vehicles and other logistical support to enhance the Command’s mobility and rapid response capacity. These interventions have greatly strengthened operational capability and boosted confidence in policing.
“Equally significant is the morale of officers across the Command, which remains at an all-time high. This has been made possible through the welfare initiatives of the IGP and the Force Management Team, including the recent promotion exercise that benefited not less than 70 officers of the Ondo State Command and the strategic move to remove the Nigeria Police Force from the contributory pension scheme—an age-long demand of officers and men of the Force. These initiatives have rekindled hope, restored confidence, and enhanced dedication to duty.
“While the Command acknowledges the existence of a few security breaches, we assure members of the public that everything humanly possible is being done to ensure that those responsible are promptly arrested and brought to justice.
“The Ondo State Police Command sincerely appreciates the cooperation of the good people of Ondo State whose timely and credible information has been pivotal in the successes recorded so far.
“However, it is imperative to stress that security is a collective responsibility. The Command therefore appeals to residents to remain vigilant, continue to volunteer actionable intelligence, and resist the temptation of aiding or conspiring with criminal elements.
“The disturbing cases of some okada riders and other indigenous individuals conniving with criminals in kidnapping and other violent crimes underscore the need for sustained community-police partnership. All hands must therefore remain on deck to rid Ondo State of criminality and ensure a safer society for all.
“The Ondo State Police Command remains resolute, committed, and determined to pursue criminals to their hideouts, bring them to justice, and safeguard the lives and properties of all law-abiding citizens.
“With the continued support of the Inspector-General of Police IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun Ph.D, NPM , the Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa and the cooperation of the populace, Ondo State will continue to remain one of the safest States in Nigeria.”
