The Ondo Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in the investigation of a violent Ondo kidnapping incident that occurred earlier this year in Akure North Local Government Area.
Security operatives arrested four suspects believed to be members of a kidnapping syndicate and recovered N1.4 million suspected to be ransom proceeds linked to the crime.
Police authorities said the arrests followed an intelligence-driven operation carried out in collaboration with the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps.
The suspects were tracked to a hotel in Akure where they had reportedly taken refuge after the incident.
According to the command, the operation was launched after credible information revealed that suspected criminals involved in kidnapping activities were lodging at a hotel located behind Ado Garage in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence report, operatives from the command’s tactical unit teamed up with Amotekun personnel to verify the information. The security team stormed the hotel and arrested four suspects without delay.
The suspects were identified as Abdullahi Ismaila, 20; Babanyara Japi, 25; Babuga Abubakar, 25; and Adama Usman, 15.
During the search carried out at the scene, officers recovered a total of N1.4 million from the suspects. Investigators believe the money was obtained as ransom from kidnapping operations carried out by the group.
Police authorities confirmed that the cash has been seized and documented as evidence as investigations continue into the Ondo kidnapping case.
The arrest is connected to a violent incident that occurred on January 25, 2026, along Liberty Avenue in the Ilu-Abo area of Akure North Local Government Area.
On that day, six armed men reportedly invaded the quiet community and launched a coordinated attack that left residents terrified.
During the operation, the attackers targeted a businessman identified as John Ofuduwa. Reports indicated that the assailants had trailed him to the neighbourhood before carrying out the attack.
Ofuduwa, an iron dealer known within the community, was ambushed while attempting to enter his residence. The attackers reportedly shot him in the head during the confrontation.
Sadly, he later died from the injuries he sustained in the attack.
Following the shooting, the gunmen allegedly abducted a woman identified as Tomiola Oladehinde at the entrance of her residence in the same area.
Investigators believe the suspects kidnapped her as part of their escape strategy after carrying out the attack on the businessman.
The abduction triggered fear across the community and intensified concerns about rising Ondo kidnapping incidents in parts of the state.
However, police confirmed that Oladehinde was later released from captivity.
Police spokesperson DSP Abayomi Jimoh disclosed that the victim was able to positively identify the arrested suspects during the investigation.
According to him, the identification played a significant role in strengthening the case against the suspects.
Authorities also revealed that preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspects had confessed to their involvement in the crime.
Investigators believe the suspects belong to a criminal gang operating around several communities including Eleyowo, Ilu-Abo, and Ogbese.
These areas have previously been flagged by security agencies as locations where criminal groups sometimes operate.
While the arrests represent a major step forward, police say the investigation into the Ondo kidnapping case is far from over.
The command has launched a broader probe to determine whether the suspects are linked to other kidnapping, robbery, or violent crime incidents reported across Ondo State.
Security operatives are also working to identify and arrest additional members of the criminal syndicate who may still be at large.
Authorities believe dismantling the entire network will help prevent future attacks and restore confidence among residents.
The Ondo Police Command reiterated its commitment to tackling violent crimes, especially kidnapping, which has become a major security concern in several parts of Nigeria.
According to the police, intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration remain key tools in the fight against criminal groups.
The Commissioner of Police in the state also emphasized the importance of cooperation between security agencies such as the police and Amotekun Corps.
Officials say this partnership has strengthened local security operations and improved response times during emergencies.
Police authorities are encouraging members of the public to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could help prevent crimes.
They noted that community cooperation often plays a vital role in tracking down criminal suspects and disrupting illegal operations.
Residents were also advised to report suspicious movements or unusual activities in their neighbourhoods to the appropriate security agencies.
In addition, the command urged victims of criminal activities to make themselves available for debriefing when requested by investigators.
Police officials explained that detailed information from victims often helps authorities understand how criminal groups operate and develop stronger strategies to combat them.
Security experts say that tackling Ondo kidnapping cases effectively will require sustained intelligence gathering, community cooperation, and coordinated security operations.
With the recent arrests and ongoing investigations, authorities believe significant progress is being made toward dismantling kidnapping networks operating within Ondo State.
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