The Ondo State Police Command has announced the arrest of more than 200 suspected criminals across the state within the past two months, in what it described as part of intensified efforts to clamp down on insecurity.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Olayinka Ayanlade, said the suspects were apprehended for various offences, including kidnapping, murder, rape, armed robbery, cultism, vehicle theft, and fraudulent conversion of property.
Ayanlade attributed the success to the strategic leadership of the state Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, and the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. He also noted that the operations were carried out in close collaboration with the Ondo State Government under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
“In line with our intensified crime-fighting strategies, the command has arrested no fewer than 208 suspects for offences ranging from kidnapping, murder, rape, armed robbery, cultism, car and motorcycle theft, to fraudulent conversion of properties,” the statement read.
According to him, 99 of the suspects have already been charged to court, with at least 35 convictions secured.
The command highlighted some notable achievements within the period under review.
Within 72 hours, police operatives arrested all individuals involved in the killing of two students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA).
In less than five days, a commercial motorcycle operator who acted as an informant for kidnappers was apprehended along with his gang members for the abduction of an AAUA staff member.
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Security operatives also recovered 25 firearms, including prohibited rifles, cut-to-size locally fabricated pistols, and a Beretta pistol. In addition, 12 stolen vehicles linked to criminal syndicates were retrieved.
Ayanlade urged residents of Ondo State to remain vigilant and continue supporting the police with actionable intelligence. He stressed that security is a collective responsibility and warned against the involvement of some local okada riders and community members in violent crimes.
“These disturbing cases underscore the importance of sustained community-police partnerships. All hands must remain on deck to rid Ondo State of criminality and ensure a safer society for everyone,” he said.
The Ondo State Police Command assured the public that it would sustain its crime-fighting strategies to make the state safer for residents, students, and businesses.
