The Ondo State Police Command, through its Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad, has achieved another major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state. The operation led to the arrest of suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate operating within Ore and its surrounding areas.
Incident Report and Initial Response
The breakthrough followed a report received on May 12, 2026, at approximately 0900 hours from one Andrew Yohana, a male resident of Jerry Sawmill Area, Ore. He reported that his two sons—Jehu, aged 10, and Yohana, aged 5—were kidnapped while on their way to school by unknown persons who took them to an undisclosed location.
Upon receiving the report, detectives from the command immediately swung into action. They visited the scene and commenced intensive intelligence-led investigations. Through painstaking technical intelligence, tracking analysis, and coordinated investigative efforts, operatives were able to uncover the identities and locations of the suspects.
Arrests and Recoveries
The investigation led to the arrest of Taofeek Lukman, a 23-year-old male, and Blessing Saturday, a 27-year-old male, around the Alaba Area of Ore. During the operation, the sum of 251,000 Naira was recovered from the suspects. This money is reasonably suspected to be proceeds from the ransom paid by the family before the victims were released.
Further investigation led detectives to another hideout linked to Blessing Saturday, where an unregistered lady motorcycle, suspected to have been used in the commission of the crime, was also recovered.
Additional Suspects Identified
In the course of ongoing investigations, additional suspects connected to the syndicate were identified: Peter Moses, a 25-year-old male; Sunday Isaac, a 23-year-old male; and Sanusi Dan Asabe, a 37-year-old male. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal syndicate and to recover additional exhibits connected with the crime.
Confessions and Legal Proceedings
The arrested suspects have made confessional statements detailing their roles in the kidnapping. They will be charged in court upon conclusion of the investigation.
Police Commissioner's Commendation
The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Felix Ohagwu, commended the operatives for their professionalism and intelligence-led approach, which culminated in the success recorded so far. The CP reiterated the command's unwavering commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes in every part of the state.
CP Felix also commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his unwavering support, strategic leadership, and sustained investment in intelligence-led policing and operational capacity building across commands nationwide. The CP noted that the successes recorded by the Ondo State Command are largely attributable to the IGP's policing vision, proactive crime-fighting strategies, and continuous encouragement to officers and men of the Force to remain resolute in tackling violent crimes and safeguarding citizens' lives and property.
Assurance to Residents
He further assured residents that the command remains resolute in ensuring the safety of lives and property while warning criminal elements to desist from all forms of criminal activities or face the full weight of the law. The command also urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information that will aid ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.
