The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two suspected kidnappers in Ayede Community, Akure North Local Government Area of the state, following a recent attack in the area.
The arrest comes days after bandits reportedly invaded Ayede community and abducted a pregnant woman, Mrs Mary Jesulayomi. The victim was later released after an undisclosed ransom was allegedly paid.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the suspects, identified as Okotie and Michael, were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation. He disclosed that the suspects were allegedly found in possession of firearms.
According to the statement, operatives of the Tactical Intelligence Response Squad, acting on credible intelligence, carried out a targeted operation in Odo Ala, Ayede Town, on February 12, 2026, at about 9:48 a.m., leading to the arrest of the two men.
“A thorough search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of one single-barrel rifle and 18 live cartridges concealed in their possession,” the statement read.
The police spokesperson added that the suspects are currently in custody and have made useful statements to investigators, aiding ongoing efforts to apprehend other members of the alleged kidnapping syndicate and uncover the full scope of their activities.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, emphasized the importance of intelligence-driven operations in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes. He commended the operatives for their swift and professional conduct in effecting the arrests and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.Ayede
