PHOTO NEWS: Police foil bomb attack in Ondo, arrest six, recover IED materials
By Boye Oyeyemi
The Ondo State Police Command has thwarted a planned bomb attack in Akure, arresting six suspects and recovering materials believed to be components for improvised explosive devices.
The Commissioner of Police, Adebwale Lawal, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing, noting that the breakthrough followed credible intelligence on a criminal syndicate operating within and beyond the state.
Lawal said operatives acted swiftly on the information and stormed the suspects’ hideout, where they were apprehended before executing the planned attack, describing the operation as a major success in preventing possible mass casualties.
According to him, items recovered include 217 bottles, a bag of sugar, charms, 17 mobile phones, ₦187,000 cash, two laptops, slings, a knife, an external hard drive, identity cards, and two motorcycles.
He explained that preliminary investigations indicated that some of the materials were intended for the fabrication of explosive devices, while others were used to coordinate criminal activities.
“The timely intervention of our operatives averted what could have led to significant loss of lives and destruction of property,” Lawal said, adding that documents outlining potential targets were also recovered from the suspects.
The police boss revealed that the suspects had rented an apartment in the Oke-Odu area of Akure, which served as their operational base, stressing that their activities may have extended beyond the state capital.
He urged landlords and property managers to conduct proper background checks on tenants, assuring residents that the command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property while investigations continue.
