The Police Command in Ondo State has arrested seven suspected kidnappers and rescued a victim during operations carried out between February 13 and 15 across different locations in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Wilfred Afolabi, disclosed the arrests while briefing journalists in Akure. He explained that the suspects, aged between 20 and 40 years, were apprehended following intelligence gathering and technical support.
According to Afolabi, the first arrest occurred on February 13 when the police detained a suspect, Aminu, at Akure Garage in Ikare-Akoko, Akoko North East Local Government Area. Aminu’s capture led to the arrest of another suspect, 25-year-old Abdullah Abubakar.
Further operations between February 14 and 15 resulted in the apprehension of four more suspects: 22-year-old Yusuf Saidu, 32-year-old Nafiu Ibrahim, 20-year-old Mohammed Anas, and 24-year-old Kabiru Mohammed.
In a separate incident in Ipele, Owo Local Government Area, a woman was abducted from her home by unidentified gunmen. The police, in collaboration with local youths, pursued the kidnappers using nearby footpaths. Their swift action led to the victim’s rescue, and an AK-49 rifle was recovered from the scene. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of another suspect, 27-year-old Yusuf Suleiman.
Additionally, the police detained a 40-year-old ex-convict, Ishaku Abdul, who was recently released from a correctional center. He was arrested by the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad (SAKS) at Aladura Camp, Oke-Oge, Osi, following a tip-off from residents who suspected his involvement in recent criminal activities.
Afolabi confirmed that all the suspects had been on the police wanted list and assured the public that investigations were ongoing to dismantle kidnapping networks operating in the state.
