The Ondo State Police Command has announced significant breakthroughs in its ongoing fight against crime, with the arrest of no fewer than 208 suspects for offences ranging from kidnapping and murder to armed robbery, rape, cultism, and car theft.
The Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Adebowale Lawal, PSC+, MNIPS, disclosed that 99 of the suspects have already been arraigned in court, while no fewer than 35 convictions have been secured, underscoring its commitment to diligent prosecution.
Highlighting some of the successes, CP Lawal said the Command arrested all those responsible for the killing of two Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) students within 72 hours. Similarly, in less than five days, officers apprehended a commercial motorcycle operator who allegedly served as an informant to kidnappers in the abduction of an AAUA staff member, along with his accomplices.
The Command also recovered 25 firearms, including prohibited rifles and pistols, as well as 12 stolen vehicles. Other notable achievements include the arrest of a notorious robbery gang in Ondo town, the capture of three suspected cross-border criminals, and the rescue of 39 foreign nationals held against their will.
Beyond arrests, the Command said it has intensified community engagement, training of vigilante groups such as the Owo Security Network (OSN), and synergy with other security agencies to sustain peace across the state.
In recognition of officers’ dedication, the Police high command recently promoted 70 personnel in Ondo, while welfare reforms, including the removal of the Force from the contributory pension scheme, have boosted morale.
The Command acknowledged the support of Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, who recently donated a gunboat for patrol of waterways, and Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who provided operational vehicles and logistics to enhance rapid response.
Reassuring the public, CP Lawal urged residents to remain vigilant and volunteer credible information, warning against aiding criminal elements. He emphasized that the Command remains resolute in its determination to rid the state of crime and maintain its reputation as one of the most peaceful in Nigeria.
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