The Ondo State Police Command has intensified its efforts to tackle the growing threat of kidnapping in the state, recording significant breakthroughs in recent operations that led to the arrest of several suspects and their collaborators.
In recent months, residents of Ondo State have faced increased cases of abduction, with kidnappers demanding huge ransoms from victims’ families. This disturbing trend prompted the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, to launch strategic operations aimed at dismantling the criminal networks responsible.
Briefing journalists on Monday, the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, disclosed that the command’s persistence paid off with the arrest of 21-year-old Abdullahi Mallam Bala, a suspected member of a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating around the state capital. Bala was intercepted in a forested area but could not provide a satisfactory explanation for his presence there. Upon investigation, it was revealed that he was actively working with other members of a well-organized syndicate, including two men identified as Ibrahim Dan and Alahu Umar.
Afolabi noted that Umar had previously been arrested earlier in the year for his role in several kidnapping cases and is currently in custody, reinforcing the pattern of re-emerging criminal collaborations in the region.
The police operation also led to the arrest of Kolawole Sunday, 39, a commercial motorcyclist. During interrogation, Kolawole confessed to providing critical support to the kidnappers. He admitted to serving as a food supplier and informant, monitoring movements and tipping off the syndicate.
Building on this momentum, the police intensified their investigation, leading to the arrest of two more suspects — Umar Abubakar Sanda and Yusuf Almanac. Sanda, during questioning, confessed that his primary role was to guide kidnapped victims through the forest, ensuring their captivity.
Further intelligence gathering exposed the involvement of another commercial motorcyclist, Lekan Temitope, popularly known as Legelege. Temitope’s role, according to the police, involved transporting supplies, including food items, to the kidnappers in their hideouts while also assisting with their movement.
The police command’s operations culminated in a major raid on March 14, 2025, when officers, supported by local vigilantes and hunters, stormed a bushy area in Ipele. Two more suspects, 45-year-old Rilwan Saliku and 19-year-old Usman Iyeakwu, were arrested during the operation. A search revealed ₦3.5 million in Saliku’s possession, which he claimed was proceeds from his Point of Sale (POS) business. However, the police are investigating the source of the funds due to suspected links to ransom payments.
While addressing the press, CP Afolabi assured the public that the police remain resolute in their commitment to rooting out criminal elements in the state. He reiterated the command’s readiness to work tirelessly to ensure the safety of lives and property.
Afolabi also commended the Inspector-General of Police for equipping the command with modern gadgets and resources, which have significantly boosted the effectiveness of their operations.
“These arrests send a clear message to criminal elements that Ondo State will not be a safe haven for kidnappers and their sponsors. Our joint efforts with other security agencies, local vigilantes, and hunters will continue until the state is free from these threats,” he stated.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely information to aid ongoing operations.
