Ondo Police Arrest 30 Suspected Kidnappers, 256 Others

The Ondo State Police Command has intensified its fight against crime, arresting 30 suspected kidnappers and 256 other criminals across the state since January 2026.

The command has also recovered ransom money, firearms, ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles and rescued victims in a series of intelligence-led operations.

The state’s Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, disclosed this during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Akure, the state capital.

CP Lawal said the state had recently witnessed pockets of criminal activity, including kidnappings, armed robbery, cultism, and unlawful possession of firearms.

A major breakthrough occurred when eleven suspected kidnappers were arrested in connection with the abduction of worshippers at a Celestial Church along the Uso/Owo Expressway.

It would be recalled that at about 12:50am on February 25, unknown gunmen invaded a church and abducted six worshippers during a night service.

The assailants were said to have stormed the premises while members were engaged in worship and whisked six of them away to an unknown destination.

‎CP Lawal advised religious leaders to moderate late-night activities at their places of worship due to prevailing security trends.

‎The commissioner also revealed that on February 23, a combined operation along Ondo Road led to the arrest of additional ten suspected kidnappers.

‎The Police recovered an operational motorcycle and ransom money. Some of the cash had been burnt in an attempt to destroy evidence.

‎Beyond kidnappings, the command arrested 256 other suspects for a variety of crimes, including armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearms, cult-related offenses, murder, rape, and other offences.

‎Recovered exhibits from all operations include 15 firearms, 35 rounds of ammunition, six vehicles, 11 motorcycles, and 8 rescued victims.

‎Giving a breakdown of the 256 other suspected criminals, the command said it arrested 10 for murder and homicide, 15 for unlawful possession of firearms, 17 for armed robbery, five for rape and defilement, 41 for cultism, and 168 for other offences within the period under review.

‎He also urged residents to adopt proactive safety measures and promptly report suspicious movements to authorities.