The Ondo State Police Command has apprehended seven suspected kidnappers and successfully rescued a victim in separate operations carried out between February 13 and 15 across the state.
Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, disclosed this during a press briefing in Akure, stating that the arrests were made following intelligence gathering and technical support.
The suspects, he said, are between the ages of 20 and 40.
According to Afolabi, one of the suspects, identified as Aminu, was apprehended on February 13 at Akure Garage in Ikare-Akoko, Akoko North East Local Government Area. His arrest led to the capture of a 25-year-old accomplice, Abdullah Abubakar.
“In another operation between February 14 and 15, four additional suspects were arrested by our tactical team after an extensive manhunt,” he revealed.
The suspects include Yusuf Saidu, 22; Nafiu Ibrahim, 32; Mohammed Anas, 20; and Kabiru Mohammed, 24.
Afolabi further stated that a woman, who was abducted by gunmen in her home in Ipele, Owo Local Government Area, was rescued through a joint effort of the police and local youths.
“Their swift response proved effective as they managed to rescue the victim. While searching for the culprits, an AK-49 rifle was recovered at the scene,” he said.
Following intelligence-led operations, another suspect, 27-year-old Yusuf Suleiman, was taken into custody in connection with the crime.
Additionally, a 40-year-old ex-convict, Ishaku Abdul, was arrested by the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad after a tip-off.
Afolabi noted that Abdul, who had recently been released from a correctional facility, was suspected by residents to be involved in the surge of criminal activities in the area.
“The suspect was arrested at Aladura Camp in Oke-Oge, Osi, an area recently plagued by kidnappings. All the arrested individuals have been on the police wanted list,” the police chief stated.
This development follows the arrest of three suspects in January for allegedly abducting 14 children, including 10 toddlers and four infants. Similarly, seven travelers were kidnapped in February along the Benin-Owo-Akure Road in the Ifon area of Ose Local Government.
The police have assured residents that efforts are ongoing to combat criminal activities in the state.
