By Duchess Ifeoluwa
Ondo State Police Command has arrested four suspected armed robbers allegedly linked to a burglary syndicate operating in Idanre and adjoining communities, recovering a locally made revolver and a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during the operation.
The Command said the arrests were part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations aimed at combating violent crime and protecting lives and property across the state.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the investigation began after a burglary was reported on June 15, 2026, at the Alade/Atosin Police Station.
The complainant, identified simply as Abayomi of Alade-Idanre, reported that unknown persons broke into his cocoa store during the night and stole a bag of cocoa valued at N1.25 million.
The police said detectives, through intelligence gathering and investigation, identified the suspects as Alex Omotayo, Adeleye Bolu, Osho Ibukun and Nura Umar, alongside other accomplices who are still at large.
Operatives subsequently arrested the four suspects and commenced further investigations into the activities of the alleged criminal gang.
The Command disclosed that investigations further revealed that the principal suspect, Alex Omotayo, had allegedly stormed the premises of Idanre High School on March 13, 2026, armed with two firearms and threatened to kill a security guard whom he accused of shooting at him the previous night.
The revelation prompted police to obtain and execute a search warrant at the suspect’s residence.
During the search, officers recovered one cut-to-size single-barrel firearm and one locally made revolver concealed within the premises. The weapons were taken into police custody as exhibits.
The police said the case, along with the suspects, has been transferred to the Anti-Cultism Unit in Akure for further investigation and efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.
Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu urged residents, particularly farmers, traders and business owners, to strengthen security around their homes, farms, warehouses and storage facilities, especially at night, noting that security remains a collective responsibility.
He also warned criminals to desist from unlawful activities, stressing that the Command would sustain intelligence-led operations to identify, arrest and prosecute offenders.
