The Ondo State Police Command has dismantled no fewer than 13 suspected criminal gangs allegedly involved in various crimes across the state.
Parading the suspects over the weekend in Akure, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, said the arrests were part of sustained efforts to rid the state of criminal elements engaging in cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery, cyber fraud, and livestock theft.
According to him, the suspects were rounded up during coordinated operations that spanned the Owo, Akoko, Ondo, and Akure areas, leading to the recovery of firearms, stolen property, and the rescue of kidnapped victims.
Lawal said that on October 26, operatives stormed Ipele in Owo Local Government Area and apprehended two suspected cultists for alleged involvement in cult and armed robbery activities.
A pump-action gun was recovered from the suspects, who confessed to belonging to a notorious cult group known as the Malians Club, with about ten active members. The gang operated from a hideout along Ipele Road, where they held meetings and planned their operations,” he stated.
The police commissioner added that efforts were ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the gang.
In another operation, CP Lawal revealed that the anti-kidnapping unit of the police command engaged a group of bandits in a fierce gun duel along the Oka–Akungba axis.
“One of the kidnappers was neutralised while others escaped with gunshot wounds. Two locally-made pistols and expended cartridges were recovered. All three victims were rescued unhurt and reunited with their families,” Lawal said.