The Ondo State Police Command has announced the arrest of 99 suspects following a coordinated inter-agency raid carried out across various parts of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Monday in Akure.
Jimoh said the operation involved a joint team comprising the Ondo State Police Command, the 32 Brigade Artillery of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Directorate of State Services (DSS), and the Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps.
According to him, the intelligence-driven operation targeted identified criminal hideouts, black spots, and flashpoints across several locations in the state known for criminal activities.
“The coordinated operation resulted in the arrest of 99 suspects linked to offences such as armed robbery, burglary, theft, cultism, and other related crimes,” he said.
Jimoh added that several items suspected to have been used for criminal activities, as well as suspected stolen properties and other incriminating exhibits, were recovered from the suspects during the raid.
He said the arrested individuals are currently undergoing screening and profiling, while those found culpable will be charged to court accordingly.
The spokesperson also stated that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, commended the professionalism, synergy, and commitment demonstrated by all participating security agencies during the operation.
According to him, the commissioner noted that such collaboration remains crucial in the fight against crime and criminality within the state.
“The CP reiterates the command’s unwavering commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven policing and joint security operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and maintaining law and order in the state.
“Lawal also warns criminal elements to desist from engaging in unlawful activities within the state, stressing that Ondo State will not serve as a safe haven for criminals.
“Security agencies will continue to intensify operations to identify, track, and decisively deal with offenders, regardless of where they operate or attempt to hide,” Jimoh said.
He called on members of the public to support security agencies with timely, credible, and actionable information, noting that community cooperation remains vital in sustaining peace and security in the state.
The police also assured residents that no effort would be spared in ensuring that perpetrators of crime are brought to justice.
Jimoh further disclosed that the command had earlier arrested four suspected kidnappers linked to a violent attack along Liberty Avenue in Ilu-Abo on January 26, which led to the death of a resident, John Ofuduwa, and the abduction of a woman, Oladeinde Tomilola, who was later released.
