… Recover ransom cash
By Duchess Ifeoluwa
Ondo State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate and recovered ransom money and an operational motorcycle in a coordinated security operation in Akure, intensifying its crackdown on violent crime across the state.
The suspects were apprehended on Monday, during a combined operation involving the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Section and visiting Police Mobile Force personnel deployed to Ondo State as operational support by the Inspector-General of Police.
Nigerian Monitor gathered that acting on credible and actionable intelligence, security operatives swiftly mobilised to strategic locations along Ondo Road, leading to the arrest of the suspects believed to be linked to a kidnapping network operating within the state.
Those arrested were identified as Muritala Muhammed, 22; Mustapha Adamu, 20; Usman Ibrahim, 25; Amisu Aruna, 28; Asiru Abdulasis, 20; Abduliu Sanni, 22; Ibrahim Suraju, 20; Noah Isiaku, 20; Abdulahi Suraju, 20; and Arabi Hamet, 18.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the intelligence-driven raid yielded significant results, including the recovery of an operational motorcycle allegedly used by the syndicate for criminal activities and ransom money obtained from victims.
Part of the recovered cash comprised burnt currency notes, which are currently being documented as exhibits as investigations progress.
Police authorities disclosed that the suspects have made useful confessional statements detailing the roles each allegedly played within the syndicate.
It was revealed that relevant exhibits recovered during the operation are being processed as investigators work to unravel the full scope of the group’s activities and identify other accomplices who may still be at large.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Adebowale Lawal, in his reaction, described the operation as another significant breakthrough in the Command’s sustained efforts to rid the state of kidnapping and other heinous crimes.
He reassured residents that the police remain resolute and are leaving no stone unturned in safeguarding lives and property throughout the state.
Emphasising that security is a shared responsibility, CP Lawal urged communities across Ondo State to organise and strengthen credible vigilante groups to complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.
He stressed that effective community participation, timely intelligence sharing and close collaboration with law enforcement would significantly enhance crime prevention and response.
