The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four suspected kidnappers linked to the recent attack in Ilu-Abo, Akure North Local Government Area, marking a major breakthrough in its crackdown on violent crime.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, announced the arrests in a statement issued Thursday in Akure. He attributed the development to intensified efforts by the police to tackle kidnapping and other violent offences across the state.
According to Jimoh, the arrests followed intelligence-led operations launched after the Jan. 25, 2026 incident, when gunmen attacked residents of Liberty Avenue in Ilu-Abo. During the assault, one victim was shot, another abducted, and two others sustained injuries.
The spokesperson said the attack triggered an immediate response from the police, including the deployment of tactical teams, expanded intelligence gathering, and an on-site assessment by the Commissioner of Police.
“On Thursday Jan. 29, acting on proactive and credible intelligence, the vigilant members of Ilu-Abo Community apprehended one Abenaguna Muhammad, male, found in possession of various criminal charms.
“The suspect was immediately handed over to police operatives for discreet investigation.
“During investigations, the suspect confessed to being a member of a kidnapping syndicate operating along the Ala/Ilu-Abo axis and actively involved in the recent violent attack and abduction recorded in that area.
“The suspect further disclosed that the syndicate was led by one Lanre, popularly known as “Lanre Tomato” and two other men namely Ojo and Pius.
“These suspects are currently in police custody, while investigation is ongoing to recover exhibits, unravel further criminal links, and ensure diligent prosecution in a court of competent jurisdiction,” he said.
Jimoh added that the state Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, praised residents of Ilu-Abo for their alertness and swift cooperation with security agencies.
“The CP described their action as a practical demonstration of effective community partnership in crime prevention, which directly contributed to unmasking the perpetrators violent crimes along Ala/Ilu-Abo axis.
“Lawal reiterated the command’s commitment to community policing and urged residents to continue supporting security efforts through structured vigilante services, timely and credible information sharing, and close collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
“Inter-agency collaboration and cooperation between the command and other security agencies, including non-conventional outfits, remain a critical pillar in the fight against kidnapping and other organized crimes across the state,” he said.
