March 10, (THEWILL) – Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested a suspected notorious kidnap gang leader, Abdullahi Lawal, who had allegedly been terrorising communities in the Akoko axis of the state.
Lawal was apprehended in Ikare-Akoko, Akoko North-East Local Government Area, following months of intelligence-led operations by security personnel.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday in Akure, describing the suspect as the ringleader of a kidnapping gang responsible for criminal activities in the area.
Jimoh said the arrest followed sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated operational strategies aimed at tracking down the suspect after he escaped during an earlier security operation.
According to him, Lawal, a resident of Aderoju Camp in Ugbe-Akoko Town, was identified as the mastermind behind the kidnapping of one Aremu Tijani on August 18, 2025, at the victim’s bush farm in the Ikare-Akoko axis.
“It would be recalled that security operatives engaged the kidnappers in a tactical operation which led to the neutralisation of three members of the gang while four other suspects were arrested”, Jimoh said.
He explained that the gang leader managed to escape at the time despite sustaining gunshot injuries during the encounter with police operatives.
Following his escape, the Command placed the suspect on an intelligence watchlist while intensive surveillance and discreet investigations were launched to track his movements and possible hideouts.
“After months of sustained intelligence-led operations and coordinated efforts by security personnel, the suspect was successfully apprehended by police operatives in Ikare-Akoko”, the spokesperson added.
Jimoh said the suspect had since made useful confessional statements and would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. He reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for kidnapping and other violent crimes, assuring residents that efforts were being intensified to dismantle all criminal networks operating within the state and neighbouring communities.
Jimoh also said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, commended the dedication, professionalism and resilience of the operatives involved in the operation. He added that the police commissioner also appreciated members of the public who continued to provide useful information to support police operations.
The spokesperson urged residents to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through established security channels.
“The Command assures the public that no criminal will be allowed to operate freely in Ondo State, as proactive measures remain in place to safeguard lives and property”, he stated.
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