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By John Ogunsemore
Two suspects, Alhassan Muhammad and Faruq Muhammad Sanni, have been arrested by the police in Ondo over alleged collaboration with a kidnapping syndicate terrorising Ilu-Abo community and surrounding areas.
Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abayomi Jimoh disclosed this in a Sunday statement.
He said the arrest of Muhammad, 20, and Sanni, 25, was a significant achievement in the Ondo police command’s ongoing efforts to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
He said the suspects, both residents of Sabon-Sango, Akure, were arrested on Sunday, March 15, following credible intelligence provided by a concerned member of the Ilu-Abo community.
The command spokesman stated the information indicated that one of the suspects, who operates as a commercial motorcyclist, had been assisting kidnappers in the area by procuring and delivering food items and other supplies to their hideouts.
“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad immediately mobilised to the location and carried out a targeted operation.
“The operation led to the successful arrest of the two suspects, while other members of the criminal syndicate fled upon sighting the approaching police operatives.
“Preliminary investigation suggests that the suspects have been playing supportive roles in sustaining the activities of the kidnappers operating within the forested areas around Ilu-Abo and neighbouring communities.
“The suspects are currently in custody and have made useful statements that are assisting the police with further investigation and facilitate the arrest of other fleeing members of the gang,” the statement reads in part.
The command said it has intensified efforts to track down the remaining suspects and dismantle the entire kidnapping network responsible for the criminal activities in the area.
“The arrested suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigation,” it added.
The command commended the vigilance, courage, and cooperation of members of the Ilu-Abo community whose timely, credible and actionable information greatly contributed to the success of the operation.
