The Ondo State Police Command has apprehended a suspected kidnap kingpin, Abdullahi Lawal, who had allegedly been terrorising communities in the Akoko area of the state.
The suspect was arrested in Ikare-Akoko, located in Akoko North East Local Government Area, following months of intelligence-led operations by security operatives.
Spokesperson for the command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday in Akure, noting that Lawal was identified as the leader of a kidnapping syndicate operating within the axis.
According to Jimoh, the suspect, who hails from Aderoju Camp in Ugbe Akoko Town, was the mastermind behind the abduction of one Aremu Tijani at his bush farm in the Ikare-Akoko area on August 18, 2025.
He explained that during an earlier security operation carried out to rescue the victim, police operatives engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle, which resulted in the killing of three gang members and the arrest of four others.
However, Lawal reportedly escaped from the scene despite sustaining gunshot wounds during the encounter.
Following the incident, the police placed the suspect on their intelligence watchlist while intensifying surveillance and investigations to trace his whereabouts.
Jimoh said the sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated efforts by security personnel eventually led to Lawal’s arrest in Ikare-Akoko after several months on the run.
The police spokesperson added that the suspect had since made useful confessional statements and would soon be arraigned in court.
Reaffirming the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes, Jimoh assured residents that security agencies were intensifying efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating across the state and neighbouring communities.
He also revealed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, commended the operatives involved in the operation for their dedication, professionalism, and resilience.
The police chief equally appreciated members of the public for providing credible information that supported the success of the operation.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and continue to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through other established security channels.
The command reiterated that it would not allow criminal elements to operate freely in Ondo State, assuring that proactive measures remain in place to protect lives and property.
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