Security operatives in Ondo State have arrested 99 suspected criminals during a coordinated raid carried out across several parts of the state.
The operation involved the Ondo State Police Command, the 32 Brigade Artillery of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Department of State Services, and the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Akure.
According to him, the operation was intelligence-driven and targeted criminal hideouts, black spots, and other flashpoints known for illegal activities across the state.
He said, “The coordinated operation resulted in the arrest of 99 suspects linked to offences such as armed robbery, burglary, theft, cultism and other related crimes.”
Jimoh added that several items suspected to have been used for criminal activities, including suspected stolen properties and other incriminating exhibits, were recovered during the raid.
He explained that the suspects were currently undergoing screening and profiling, noting that those found culpable would be prosecuted.
“The arrested individuals are currently undergoing screening and profiling, while those found culpable will be charged to court accordingly,” he said.
The spokesperson noted that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, commended the professionalism and cooperation displayed by the participating security agencies.
He said the CP emphasised that collaboration among security agencies remained essential in tackling crime across the state.
Jimoh quoted Lawal as saying, “Ondo State will not serve as a safe haven for criminals. Security agencies will continue to intensify operations to identify, track and decisively deal with offenders wherever they operate.”
The police spokesperson also urged residents to support security agencies with credible and timely information to sustain peace and security in the state.
“Community cooperation remains vital in sustaining the prevailing peace and security in the state. The command assures the public that no effort will be spared in ensuring that all perpetrators of crime are brought to justice,” he added.
Meanwhile, the police command also confirmed the arrest of four suspected kidnappers linked to a violent attack that occurred on January 26 along Liberty Avenue in Ilu-Abo.
Jimoh said the suspects were connected to the incident that led to the death of one John Ofuduwa and the abduction of a woman, Oladeinde Tomilola, who was later released.
