Residents of Ondo State will now have a sigh of relief after the Nigerian Police arrested no fewer than 10 suspected kidnappers and recovered ransom paid by their victims in Akure, the state capital.
The operation was said to have been carried out by a combined personnel from the Ondo Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Section and visiting PMF personnel deployed by the former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to the state.
Suspects apprehended during the operation were: 22-year-old Muritala Muhammed, 20-year-old Mustapha Adamu, 25-year-old Usman Ibrahim, 28-year-old Amisu Aruna, 20-year-old Asiru Abdulasis, 22-year-old Abduliu Sanni, 20-year-old Ibrahim Suraju, 20-year-old Noah Isiaku, 20-year-old Abdulahi Suraju, and 18-year-old Arabi Hamet.
During the raid, the kidnappers’ operational motorcycle and ransom money were recovered from the suspects.
Confirming the arrest on Tuesday, the Command spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed that part of the recovered cash comprised burnt currency notes, which are currently being documented as exhibits in the ongoing investigation.
According to the statement, “The suspects have made useful confessional statements, detailing the individual roles each played within the syndicate. Relevant exhibits recovered and are currently being processed for comprehensive investigation and further necessary action. The Ondo State Police Command is working assiduously to unravel the full scope of the syndicate’s operations and to identify and apprehend other accomplices who may still be at large.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, reassured residents of Ondo State of the Command’s unwavering commitment to ridding the State of kidnapping and other heinous crimes.
“He urged members of the public to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information, as community partnership remains vital in the fight against Kidnapping and other violent crimes.
“Lawal emphasizes that security is a collective responsibility and should not be left solely in the hands of the police.
“The police boss urged communities across Ondo State to take proactive steps by organizing and strengthening credible vigilante groups to complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.
“CP Lawal notes that effective community participation, timely sharing of intelligence, and close collaboration with law enforcement will significantly enhance crime prevention and response.
“He reassures residents that the Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property, while calling on all stakeholders to play their part in sustaining peace and security across the State
“The Commissioner further reassured residents that the Command remains resolute and is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the safety and security of lives and property throughout Ondo State.
“The Command remains resolute in its mandate to protect lives and property and will not relent in bringing perpetrators of crime to justice”.
