Police Arrest wanted kidnap kingpin in Ondo

 The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a long-wanted kidnap kingpin, Abdullahi Lawal, in Ikare-Akoko, dealing a significant blow to criminal activities plaguing the Akoko region.

According to a statement released by the command's spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, on Tuesday in Akure, the suspect was apprehended following months of persistent intelligence-led operations and close coordination among security teams. Lawal is described as the ringleader of a notorious kidnapping gang that has terrorized communities along the Akoko axis for some time.

The arrest took place in Ikare-Akoko, within the Akoko North East Local Government Area, where operatives tracked and captured him after sustained surveillance and targeted efforts. Jimoh emphasized that this breakthrough came as a result of dedicated work by police personnel who refused to let up on the pursuit despite the challenges posed by such elusive criminal networks.

Kidnapping has remained a persistent security concern in parts of Ondo State, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where gangs often exploit isolated roads and communities to carry out abductions for ransom. These incidents have caused widespread fear among residents, disrupted daily life, and affected local businesses and farming activities. The Akoko area, known for its dense forests and winding routes, has unfortunately become a hotspot for such crimes in recent years, with reports of multiple abductions prompting calls for stronger security measures.

Lawal's gang is believed to have been responsible for several high-profile cases in the region, though specific details on individual incidents linked directly to him were not fully outlined in the initial police release. His capture is seen as a major step forward in dismantling the syndicate, as kingpins like him often coordinate operations, recruit members, and manage ransom negotiations.

This development follows other recent successes by the Ondo State Police in tackling kidnapping. Just days earlier, operatives arrested four other suspected kidnappers connected to a violent incident in the Ilu-Abo community of Akure North Local Government Area. That operation, carried out in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps, resulted in the recovery of N1.4 million believed to be ransom proceeds. The suspects in that case Abdullahi Ismaila (20), Babanyara Japi (25), Babuga Abubakar (25), and Adama Usman (15) were linked to the January attack along Liberty Avenue that led to the death of businessman John Ofuduwa and the temporary abduction of Tomilola Oladeinde, who was later freed.

Those arrests happened at a hotel behind Ado Garage in Akure, where the group had been hiding. Preliminary interrogations revealed confessions tying them to a broader criminal network operating around Eleyowo, Ilu-Abo, and Ogbese. Such collaborative efforts between the regular police and local security outfits like Amotekun have become increasingly common in the state as authorities work to pool resources and intelligence against organized crime.

The Ondo State Police Command, under Commissioner Adebowale Lawal, has repeatedly stressed its commitment to rooting out kidnapping and related offenses. Spokesperson Jimoh noted that the arrest of Abdullahi Lawal underscores the effectiveness of sustained, intelligence-driven strategies rather than reactive measures. He assured the public that investigations into Lawal's activities are ongoing, with efforts underway to apprehend any remaining accomplices and recover assets tied to the gang's operations.

Residents in the Akoko area have welcomed the news, viewing it as a sign that security agencies are making real progress. Local leaders and community groups have long urged for more patrols, better lighting on major roads, and community vigilance programs to complement police work. While challenges remain such as the vast terrain that makes complete eradication difficult the recent string of arrests has boosted confidence that the tide may be turning.

Authorities have called on citizens to continue providing credible tips and information without fear, promising protection for informants. As the investigation into Lawal deepens, more details are expected to emerge about the full scope of his gang's activities and any connections to wider criminal enterprises.