Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested two suspected collaborators accused of supplying food and other items to kidnappers operating in Ilu-Abo community and surrounding areas.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the operation was carried out under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal.
Jimoh identified the suspects as Alhassan Muhammad, 20, and Faruq Muhammad Sanni, 25, both residents of the Sabon-Sango area of Akure.
According to the police spokesman, the suspects were arrested on March 15 following credible intelligence provided by a resident of Ilu-Abo community.
He explained that the information indicated that one of the suspects, who operates as a commercial motorcyclist, had been assisting kidnappers by purchasing food and delivering other supplies to their hideouts.
Jimoh said operatives of the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad acted swiftly on the intelligence and launched a targeted operation in the area.
He noted that the raid led to the arrest of the two suspects, while other members of the criminal group reportedly escaped into the forest on sighting the approaching security operatives.
Preliminary investigations, according to the police, revealed that the suspects had been providing logistical support to kidnappers hiding in forests around Ilu-Abo and neighbouring communities.
The PPRO added that the suspects were currently cooperating with investigators and providing useful information to aid ongoing operations.
He said efforts were underway to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang, adding that the arrested suspects would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.