The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 99 suspects in a sweeping joint security operation across the state, with those found culpable to be charged in court.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the arrests were made during an intelligence-led raid conducted February 8 in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
According to Jimoh, operatives targeted identified black spots and criminal hideouts across several parts of the state, apprehending suspects linked to armed robbery, burglary, theft, cultism, and other related offences.
“The coordinated operation resulted in the arrest of 99 suspects linked to offences such as armed robbery, burglary, theft, cultism, and other related crimes,” he said.
Jimoh added that several items suspected to have been used for criminal activities, stolen properties, and other incriminating exhibits were recovered from the suspects during the operation.
He said the suspects were undergoing profiling, stressing that those found culpable would be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction.
The state Commissioner of Police was quoted as commending the professionalism displayed by security personnel during the operation, while reiterating the command’s resolve to sustain intelligence-driven policing and dismantle criminal networks across Ondo State.
The CP also warned criminal elements to immediately abandon unlawful activities, declaring that Ondo State would not serve as a haven for criminals as security agencies intensify efforts to track and decisively deal with offenders.
Members of the public were urged to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, with authorities noting that community cooperation remained vital to sustaining peace and order in the state.
Meanwhile, Legal Observer had reported on Friday that the command separately arrested four suspected kidnappers linked to a violent attack along Liberty Avenue in Ilu-Abo, which resulted in the death of a resident and the abduction of a woman.
Jimoh said the suspects were nabbed following intelligence reports placing them at a hotel behind Ado Garage in Akure.
