The Ondo Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnap kingpin, Abdullahi Lawal, who was linked to a series of abduction cases in the state, bringing to an end over six months of manhunt for the fugitive.
Lawal was apprehended by police operatives in Ikare-Akoko after sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated security operations.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the arrest was described as a major operational breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping and violent crimes across Ondo State.
According to the police, Lawal, a resident of Aderoju Camp in Ugbe Akoko Town, was identified as the mastermind behind the kidnapping of one Aremu Tijani, which occurred on August 18, 2025, at the victim’s bush farm in the Ikare-Akoko axis.
The command recalled that during an earlier operation shortly after the incident, security operatives engaged members of the gang in a gun battle. The operation led to the killing of three suspected kidnappers, while four others were arrested.
However, Lawal, believed to be the leader of the gang, managed to escape at the time despite sustaining gunshot wounds during the encounter.
Following his escape, the police placed the suspect on an intelligence watchlist and launched extensive surveillance and investigations to track his movements and possible hideouts.
After months of intelligence-led operations, the suspect was eventually tracked and arrested in Ikare-Akoko.
Police authorities said the suspect has since made useful confessional statements and will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Adebowale Lawal, reaffirmed the command’s zero tolerance for kidnapping and other violent crimes, assuring residents that security agencies are intensifying efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating within the state.
He also commended the professionalism and resilience of the operatives involved in the operation and appreciated members of the public for providing useful information that aided the arrest.
The police urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
The command assured the public that proactive security measures remain in place to safeguard lives and property across Ondo State.
