The Ondo State Police Command has apprehended a dangerous four-man armed robbery syndicate notorious for carrying out violent attacks and stealing vehicles across Akure, Owo, and neighboring areas.
State Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal disclosed this on Sunday in Akure while briefing journalists on the command’s achievements over the past two weeks.
Lawal explained that the arrest followed a reported armed robbery incident in Akure on June 27, where a vehicle and other valuables were stolen.
“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the command’s Tactical Intelligence and Response Squad tracked and apprehended two key suspects outside Ondo State,” Lawal said.
“Subsequent intelligence breakthroughs led to the arrest of two additional members of the gang, including a suspected habitual receiver of stolen items.”
The CP revealed that preliminary investigations show the syndicate was deeply involved in a car theft and trafficking network.
“So far, a number of stolen items, including a vehicle and several mobile devices, have been recovered,” he stated.
“Investigations are ongoing to trace additional stolen property and identify other collaborators, including a suspected arms supplier currently at large.”
In a related development, the police also recovered livestock worth N41 million stolen by Ali Garuba Muhammed, an employee of Prince Fasua Peter Oyeleye.
Lawal said Oyeleye reported the case on July 1 after his employee disappeared with 55 cattle and eight sheep/rams.
A swift response by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit led to the recovery of 22 cows within 48 hours. However, the primary suspect remains at large.
“This operation is a testament to the capacity and responsiveness of the Police Command in Ondo State to tackle organised crime through strategic intelligence-led policing,” Lawal said.
“The command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and assures residents that all criminal networks operating within the state will be relentlessly pursued and dismantled.”
Authorities are intensifying efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects, recover the outstanding livestock, and dismantle the broader criminal network involved in these operations.
