The Ondo State Police Command has arrested five suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate operating within Ore in Odigbo Local Government area of the state.
DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the command’s spokesperson, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Akure.
The statement read: “The Ondo State Police Command, through its Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad, has recorded another major breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on kidnapping and other violent crimes across the State with the arrest of suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate operating within Ore and its environs.
“The breakthrough followed a report received on 12th May, 2026 at about 0900hrs from one Andrew Yohana ‘M’ of Jerry Sawmill Area, Ore, who reported that his two sons, namely Jehu ‘M’, aged 10 years, and Yohana ‘M’, aged 5 years, were kidnapped while on their way to school by unknown persons who whisked them away to an undisclosed location.
“Upon receipt of the report, detectives of the Command immediately swung into action. The scene was visited and intensive intelligence-driven investigations commenced.
“Through painstaking technical intelligence, tracking analysis, and coordinated investigative efforts, operatives were able to uncover the identities and locations of the suspects.
“Consequently, the investigation led to the arrest of Taofeek Lukman ‘M’, aged 23 years, and Blessing Saturday ‘M’, aged 27 years, around the Alaba Area of Ore.
“During the operation, the sum of Two Hundred and Fifty-One Thousand Naira (₦251,000), reasonably suspected to be proceeds from the ransom collected from the family before the victims’ release, was recovered from the suspects.
“Further investigation led detectives to another hideout linked to Blessing Saturday, where an unregistered lady motorcycle suspected to have been used in perpetrating the crime was also recovered.
“In the course of ongoing investigations, additional suspects connected to the syndicate were identified as; Peter Moses ‘M’, aged 25 years, Sunday Isaac ‘M’, aged 23 years and Sanusi Dan Asabe ‘M’, aged 37 years
“Efforts are currently ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal syndicate and recover additional exhibits connected with the crime. Meanwhile the arrested suspects have made confessional statements detailing the roles they played in the kidnap and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.
“The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Felix Ohagwu, psc, mnips, mspsp, commended the operatives for their professionalism and intelligence-led approach which culminated in the success recorded so far.
“The CP reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes in every part of the State.
“He further assured residents that the Command remains resolute in ensuring the safety of lives and property while warning criminal elements to desist from all forms of criminal activities or face the full weight of the law.
“The Commissioner also urges members of the public to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information that will aid ongoing efforts to rid the State of criminal elements.”
