The Ondo State Police Command says it has recorded significant achievements in the fight against crime since the assumption of office by Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Adebowale Lawal.
According to the Command, 208 suspects have been arrested for offences including kidnapping, murder, rape, armed robbery, cultism, and theft.
Of these, 99 have been arraigned in court, while 35 convictions have already been secured.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, who disclosed this in Akure on Wednesday, said the Command has also recovered 25 firearms and 12 stolen vehicles from criminal syndicates.
Among notable operations, the Command arrested all suspects involved in the killing of two students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, within 72 hours.
Similarly, an okada rider who allegedly served as an informant to kidnappers, alongside his gang, was arrested within five days after the abduction of a university staff member.
The police also dismantled a robbery gang in Ondo town, arrested three suspected transnational criminals linked to cross-border activities, and rescued 39 foreign nationals who were unlawfully held.
Beyond arrests, the Command said it has strengthened community engagement, trained 150 members of the Owo Security Network to support local policing, and deepened collaboration with sister security agencies and vigilante groups.
The security measures have attracted commendation from the National Institute of Strategic Studies (NIPSS), which described Ondo as one of the most peaceful states in the country.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, during a recent visit, also lauded the state’s security architecture.
DSP Ayanlade added that the Command’s efforts have been boosted by the support of Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who recently donated a gunboat for patrols, and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who provided vehicles and logistics.
While acknowledging that some security breaches remain, the police urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information, stressing that some commercial motorcyclists and locals have been found to collude with criminals in kidnappings.
“The Ondo State Police Command remains resolute in pursuing criminals to their hideouts, bringing them to justice, and safeguarding the lives and property of law-abiding citizens,” the PPRO said.