By Ayo Ayodele
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate linked to a recent violent attack in Ilu-Abo community, the command has said.
According to a police statement issued on Thursday, the breakthrough followed intelligence-driven operations launched after an attack on residents of Liberty Avenue, Ilu-Abo, on January 25, 2026. During the incident, armed assailants reportedly shot one resident, abducted another, and injured two others.
The police said the first suspect, identified as Abenaguna Muhammad, was apprehended on January 29, 2026, by vigilant members of the Ilu-Abo community while in possession of suspected criminal charms. He was subsequently handed over to police operatives for investigation.
During interrogation, Muhammad allegedly confessed to being a member of a kidnapping syndicate operating along the Ala/Ilu-Abo axis and admitted involvement in the recent attack. He reportedly identified the gang’s leader as one Lanre, popularly known as “Lanre Tomato,” alongside two other suspects identified as Ojo and Pius.
Police authorities said the arrests followed intensified tactical deployments, intelligence gathering, and an on-the-spot operational assessment by the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal.
All four suspects are currently in police custody, while investigations continue to recover exhibits, uncover additional criminal networks, and ensure their prosecution.
Commending the role of the Ilu-Abo community, Commissioner of Police Lawal described their vigilance and cooperation as a strong example of effective community policing, noting that their actions directly contributed to exposing the suspects.
The commissioner also reiterated the command’s commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes through intelligence-led policing, inter-agency collaboration, and sustained community engagement, urging residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.