The Ondo State Police Command has dismantled a suspected kidnapping network operating in Ore and nearby communities, arresting five suspects and recovering ₦251,000 believed to be part of a ransom paid by victims’ family.
The breakthrough followed the abduction of two young brothers, aged 10 and 5, who were kidnapped while on their way to school in Ore.
According to the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the arrests were carried out by the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad in a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation.
The incident was first reported on May 12 by Andrew Yohana of the Jerry Sawmill area in Ore, who informed police that his sons, Jehu (10) and Yohana (5), had been seized by unknown assailants.
Jimoh said detectives immediately launched a full investigation after visiting the scene, relying on technical intelligence and tracking analysis to trace those involved.
The operation led to the arrest of two suspects, Taofeek Lukman (23) and Blessing Saturday (27), in the Alaba area of Ore. During the arrest, officers reportedly recovered ₦251,000 suspected to be part of the ransom collected before the children were released.
Police later raided another hideout linked to the syndicate, where an unregistered motorcycle allegedly used in the operation was recovered.
Further investigations led to the arrest of three additional suspects: Peter Moses (25), Sunday Isaac (23), and Sanusi Dan Asabe (37).
According to the Command, all five suspects have confessed to their individual roles in the kidnapping operation.
Jimoh added that efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the gang and recover more evidence connected to the crime.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Felix Ohagwu, commended the operatives for what he described as a professional, intelligence-led operation, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the State.
He also praised the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his support and leadership in strengthening intelligence-based policing nationwide.
The Command urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to help combat crime across Ondo State.
