The Ondo State Police Command has rescued a kidnapped victim and arrested 10 suspected criminals in different parts of the state.
The Police Commissioner, Wilfred Afolabi, made this known on Saturday in Akure, the state capital. He said the suspects were involved in crimes such as kidnapping, stealing, armed robbery, and cultism.
According to him, the arrests were made after serious intelligence work by the police and help from local hunters.
He said one of the suspects, Babuga Muhammed, was caught during a rescue operation for a kidnapped man, Ogunniyi Semiu, who was taken on May 14, 2025, around the Ikare Mine in Akoko North-East Local Government Area.
“In the early hours of Saturday, our tactical team, working with local hunters in Ikare, carried out a successful operation that led to the rescue of the victim and arrest of one of the kidnappers,” Afolabi said.
He explained that the police acted on strong intelligence and laid an ambush at a forest area near Supare Mine, where the kidnappers had asked for a ransom of ₦14 million.
“When the kidnappers saw our men, they opened fire. There was a gun battle, and some of them were shot. Babuga Muhammed, from Iseyin in Oyo State, was caught. Luckily, the victim was rescued alive and unhurt. No ransom was paid,” he added.
The police commissioner said the arrested suspect is now receiving treatment at the State Specialist Hospital for gunshot wounds.
Other suspects arrested by the police include Ibrahim Uma, Paul Osanyinduro, Abubakar Bamoh, Olaoluwa Olootu, Aliu Raymond, Yahaya, Hasminu Jibirimi, Hammed Olabode, and Adegoke Olayemi.
He said some of them have confessed to their crimes.
Mr Afolabi urged residents to report any suspicious movement in their areas. “We can and will build a safer Ondo State if everyone cooperates,” he said.
He also promised that the police would remain professional and fair in carrying out their duties.
