The Ondo State Police Command recorded the arrest of more than 2,500 suspects in 2025 over offences ranging from murder, kidnapping and armed robbery to cultism, vandalism and drug-related crimes.
The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, disclosed this on Friday while addressing journalists at the Police Headquarters in Akure during a briefing on the command’s activities for the year under review.
According to CP Lawal, 50 suspects were arrested for murder, 49 for armed robbery and 85 for kidnapping, while 407 others were apprehended for vandalism and stealing.
He added that at least 365 suspects were arrested in connection with cult-related activities across the state.
The police commissioner further revealed that 250 suspects were taken into custody for unlawful possession of substances suspected to be hard drugs, while 1,434 others were arrested for various other criminal offences.
Lawal attributed the achievements recorded by the command to teamwork and the support received from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
He said the state experienced relative peace within the period under review, crediting the situation to proactive policing strategies and intelligence-driven operations carried out in synergy with other security agencies.
CP Lawal also disclosed that a significant number of officers benefited from advanced training in intelligence gathering and analysis, enabling them to apply modern techniques for proactive policing, early threat detection and informed operational decision-making.
He said the command also organised specialised training for 150 members of the Owo Security Network (OSN), a community-based vigilante group that works overtly and covertly with the police to enhance the state’s security framework.
Providing details of exhibits recovered, the police commissioner said 105 firearms, 92 vehicles and motorcycles, 27 unregistered or forged vehicle documents, 10 stolen vehicles and 200 rounds of ammunition were seized.
He added that 102 other items were impounded for various traffic and security-related offences.
“These collective efforts have contributed significantly to a safer environment and a measurable decline in high-impact crimes, thereby creating conditions conducive to sustainable social and economic development,” he said.
CP Lawal disclosed that most of the suspects arrested are currently facing prosecution in courts across the state and appealed to residents to continue supporting the police with credible and actionable information to prevent crime.
The police commissioner also paid tribute to officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, describing them as gallant, dedicated and courageous.
“Their sacrifices will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families,” he said.
He, however, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, assuring residents that the police would continue to sustain the fight against crime across Ondo State.
