The Ondo State Police Command has intensified its efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes with the establishment of a tactical team base in Ilu-Abo community.
The move follows growing security concerns in Ilu-Abo, Ayede, Ogbese and neighbouring communities.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, disclosed this on Monday while addressing residents who staged a protest over insecurity in Ilu-Abo.
Lawal, who visited the community to assess the situation, assured residents that the command had already begun implementing measures aimed at restoring safety.
“We are fully aware of the concerns raised by members of this community. I want to assure you that the Police Command is taking deliberate steps to address the security challenges in this area,” he said.
He urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding while security agencies intensify operations across the affected communities.
According to the police chief, the newly established tactical team base in Ilu-Abo will host specially trained operatives drawn from elite police units, including anti-kidnapping squads.
“The tactical team will operate round the clock, conducting intensive patrols, surveillance operations, intelligence gathering and coordinated responses across Ilu-Abo, Ayede, Ogbese and adjoining communities,” Lawal explained.
He added that the command had also strengthened joint security operations, including stop-and-search exercises, forest combing operations and intelligence-led raids targeting suspected criminal hideouts.
“These operations are specifically designed to dismantle kidnapping networks and prevent criminals from using forested areas and boundary communities as safe havens,” he said.
Lawal further directed Divisional Police Officers in the affected axis to work closely with local vigilantes, hunters and other community security stakeholders to enhance intelligence gathering.
The police commissioner also called on residents to support security agencies with credible information that could assist ongoing operations.
“We encourage members of the public to cooperate with the police by providing useful information. All information received will be treated with strict confidentiality,” he said.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that kidnapping and other violent crimes would not be tolerated in any part of the state.
