By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
The Ondo State Police Command has apprehended twelve crime suspects including four kidnappers and their suspected logistics supplier in the last one week.
CP Olutokunbo Afolabi, the Commissioner of Police in the state, parading the suspects in Akure, said that among those arrested there were also one suspected armed robber, three cultists and two thieves.
He added that one of the suspected notorious kidnappers, 30-year-old Abubakar Bamoh, was apprehended following intelligence reports that linked him to several kidnapping operations in Owo/Ose/Akoko axis of the state.
In a separate operation, the Police Commissioner announced the rescue of a kidnap victim, Ogunniyi Semiu, and the arrest of one of his abductors following a combined effort of police operatives and local hunters in Ikare-Akoko.
During the ensuing gun battle, several suspects were injured.
Afolabi said, “the Ondo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a significant breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and related crimes within the state.
In the early hours of today, at approximately 0020hrs, a combined tactical team of operatives from the Ondo State Police Command and local hunters based in Ikare carried out a successful operation that led to the rescue of a kidnap victim and the arrest of one of the suspects involved in the abduction.
“The operation followed actionable intelligence regarding the movement of suspected kidnappers responsible for the abduction of one Ogunniyi Semiu ‘m’ on 14th May 2025, around Ikare in Akoko North-East Local Government Area.
“Acting on the intelligence, the joint team strategically laid an ambush in a forest area near Supare, believed to be a rendezvous point for the suspects who had demanded a ransom of ₦14 million.
“During the interception, the suspects engaged the operatives in a fierce gun duel. In the exchange, several of the suspects sustained serious gunshot injuries, while one of them—Babuga Muhammed ‘m’, from Igana, Iseyin, Oyo State—was apprehended. Crucially, the victim, Ogunniyi Semiu, was rescued alive and unhurt. No ransom was paid.
“The arrested suspect is currently receiving treatment for gunshot wounds at the State Specialist Hospital, while efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects who escaped with injuries.
“A combing operation resumed at daylight to ensure the arrest of the remaining gang members and recovery of any weapons or evidence from the area.,”
