Police arrest 10 suspected kidnappers, recover ransom in Ondo

By Boye Oyeyemi –

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate and recovered ransom money during an intelligence-led operation in Akure, the state capital.

The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, noting that the operation was carried out under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal.

According to the statement, the arrests followed a joint operation involving the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Section and visiting Police Mobile Force personnel deployed to the state with the approval of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

Police operatives acted on credible intelligence, leading to a swift raid at locations along Ondo Road on 23 February, where the suspects were apprehended.

Items recovered from the suspects included an operational motorcycle and ransom money, part of which consisted of burnt currency notes now documented as exhibits for investigation.

The police said the suspects made confessional statements, revealing their individual roles within the syndicate, while efforts continue to track down other accomplices believed to be at large.

Lawal reassured residents of the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes, urging members of the public to provide timely and reliable information to security agencies.

He also stressed that security remains a collective responsibility, calling on communities to strengthen credible vigilante groups and collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies to enhance safety and maintain peace across the state.