The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a suspected kidnapper and successfully rescued a victim in Isua-Akoko, located in Akoko South-East Local Government Area.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Akure, noting that the operation was carried out on April 10.
Jimoh explained that the case began when a resident, identified as Ahmadu, reported at the Isua Police Division that two young men had travelled to Ipesi-Akoko for cattle rearing, but only one returned.
“Acting on the report, the police immediately initiated a coordinated intelligence-driven operation, which led to the successful rescue of the kidnapped victim.
“The victim narrated that he was abducted at night by three suspected kidnappers. During the incident, while trying to resist his captors, he inflicted a head injury on one of the suspects.
“Acting swiftly on credible information obtained from the victim, operatives of the Isua division mobilised and stormed Obasanjo Motor Park, Isua, at about 0609 hrs, where a suspicious individual with a visible head injury was apprehended.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being part of the kidnapping gang. The victim later positively identified the suspect, particularly noting the injury inflicted on him,” he said.
Following the rescue, the victim was taken to a hospital for treatment, while the suspect has been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for further investigation.
Jimoh added that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
He also revealed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, commended residents for providing timely and actionable intelligence, stressing the importance of community collaboration in fighting crime.
“The CP commends the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his continuous support and strategic guidance, which has significantly enhanced operational effectiveness in the command.
“The command reiterates its unwavering commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across Ondo State.
“It also urges residents to remain vigilant and continue to support the police with timely and useful information,” he said.
