By: Abayomi Jimoh
Public discourse on security in Nigeria often gravitates toward incidents of crime and emerging threats confronting communities. While such concerns are valid, they sometimes overshadow the considerable efforts and achievements of law enforcement agencies working tirelessly to keep citizens safe. In Ondo State, the Police Command continues to demonstrate resilience, professionalism, and operational commitment in addressing security challenges, while recording notable successes across the state.
Like many states in the federation, Ondo faces threats such as kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and other violent crimes. However, beyond the headlines lies a consistent record of strategic policing, intelligence-driven operations, and proactive interventions by the Command. Central to its approach are professionalism, inter-agency collaboration, and strong community partnerships. Through regular operational briefings with Divisional Police Officers and Heads of Tactical Units, the Command’s leadership has reinforced proactive crime prevention, swift response to distress calls, and improved collaboration with local communities. These strategies have yielded measurable results in 2026.
In February, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested Abubakar Sindiku (25) and Oliver Okoh (35) in separate intelligence-led operations at Sabo-Sango along Ado Road and Ilado Community. Investigations revealed their roles in a kidnapping network, particularly in reconnaissance and logistical support. Motorcycles used to track potential victims were recovered during the operation.
Similarly, on 12 February 2026, operatives of the Tactical Intelligence Response Squad, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended two suspected kidnappers, Okotie and Michael, at Odo-Ala in Ayede Community, Akure North Local Government Area. A single-barrel rifle and eighteen live cartridges were recovered, with further investigations linking them to kidnapping activities in the area.
Building on these gains, the Command recorded another major breakthrough in the investigation of a kidnapping and violent attack along Liberty Avenue, Ilu-Abo. Four suspects—Abdullahi Ismaila (20), Babanyara Japi (25), Babuga Abubakar (25), and Adama Usman (15)—were arrested with ₦1.4 million suspected to be ransom proceeds. The suspects were positively identified by the victim, underscoring the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and inter-agency cooperation.
In a separate development, operatives tracked and arrested Abdullahi Lawal, a wanted kidnapping ringleader linked to a 2025 abduction case in Ikare-Akoko. Having previously escaped during an operation, his eventual arrest after months of sustained intelligence gathering highlights the Command’s persistence in bringing fugitives to justice.
The Command has also intensified its crackdown on cult-related violence. The Special Anti-Cultism Squad arrested Akinwale Tomiwa, popularly known as “Bella,” a suspected leader of the Eiye Confraternity operating around Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo. He was linked to the murder of Ojo Peter in December 2025 and to ongoing cult clashes. His arrest and arraignment mark a significant step toward restoring peace in the area.
Further demonstrating operational strength, a coordinated joint security raid in March 2026 involving the Police, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Services, and Amotekun Corps led to the arrest of ninety-nine suspects across multiple criminal flashpoints. The operation targeted areas associated with armed robbery, cultism, and burglary, resulting in the recovery of several incriminating exhibits.
Statistics from the Command indicate the scale of enforcement efforts between January and March 2026. A total of 286 suspects were arrested for offences including kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, rape, cultism, and unlawful possession of firearms. This includes 30 suspected kidnappers, 17 armed robbery suspects, and 41 suspected cultists, alongside others connected to homicide cases.
The Command has also recorded significant progress in high-profile investigations, including the arrest of suspects linked to the killing of two students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko—an incident that had generated widespread concern. The swift investigative response helped reinforce public confidence. Observers attribute these achievements to a policing philosophy anchored on discipline, accountability, and effective coordination. Continuous engagement with officers and community stakeholders has fostered a culture that balances firmness with adherence to the rule of law.
Equally vital is the strengthening of community policing structures. The Command has intensified engagement with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, and vigilante networks to enhance intelligence gathering and early threat detection—an approach that continues to yield actionable results.
While security challenges persist, the progress recorded by the Ondo State Police Command in 2026 demonstrates that meaningful strides are being made. From dismantling criminal networks and recovering weapons to tracking fugitives and prosecuting offenders, these efforts reflect the dedication of officers serving under demanding conditions.
As conversations on security continue, it is important to maintain a balanced perspective—one that acknowledges both challenges and progress. Recognising these operational successes allows for a more informed appreciation of the ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property.
Ultimately, building a safer Ondo State requires sustained collaboration between the police and the communities they serve. The achievements recorded so far this year affirm that with effective strategy and public cooperation, tangible progress in the fight against crime is not only possible but already underway.