The Ondo State Police Command has arraigned 12 suspected kidnappers in court following their arrest in connection with several abduction cases in the state. The suspects, who were apprehended by security forces in the state, were brought before the court on March 19, facing charges related to kidnapping, a crime that has been a growing concern in the region.
According to a statement from the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Ondo, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, the suspects arrested include Usman Mohammed, Komolafe Sunday, Olalekan Temitope, Umaru Abubakar Sanda, Amodu Yusuf, Usman Mohammed, and Nasiru Ojo. Other suspects in custody include Ishiaku Abdul, Mohammed Mallam Bala, Abdullahi Abubakar, Cede Mohammed, and Buba Abdul.
These individuals were arrested in various locations across the state after a series of intelligence-led operations, as part of the ongoing efforts by the police to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes in Ondo.
The arrest and subsequent arraignment of these suspects signal a continued commitment by the police to address the persistent problem of abductions that has plagued the state. In recent years, kidnappers have targeted residents, businesspeople, and travelers, demanding large ransoms for their release. This has created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, making it a major issue for both the local authorities and the public.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Wilfred Afolabi, expressed his appreciation for the public’s continued support in providing timely and crucial information to the police. He thanked members of the community who have assisted in the ongoing fight against crime and urged others to come forward with any information that might help in apprehending criminals and ensuring justice for victims.
“On behalf of the Command, I thank the good people of Ondo for their unwavering support in the fight against crime. We urge you all to continue providing us with information, as this will go a long way in helping us eradicate criminality in our state,” said Afolabi.
The police commissioner also emphasized the importance of continued public cooperation in the effort to enhance security across Ondo. Residents were encouraged to contact the police through official channels or visit the nearest police station to report any suspicious activities.
“We urge everyone to remain vigilant and keep working with us. If you see something, say something. Your support is crucial in helping to improve the safety of our communities,” Afolabi added.
In a bid to further strengthen security in the state, the Ondo State Police Command recently completed a two-day training program for its officers. The training was designed to enhance the capabilities of police personnel in tackling crime using modern tools and techniques.
The training focused on proactive policing strategies, such as crime mapping and intelligence gathering, which are aimed at identifying crime hotspots and preventing criminal activities before they occur. Officers were taught how to use technological resources effectively to track crime and deploy resources in a strategic manner. The program also included practical sessions, where police officers learned how to process and analyze information to develop actionable intelligence.
The police spokesperson, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, explained that the training was part of ongoing efforts to equip police officers with the skills and knowledge needed to combat crime more effectively in Ondo State. She emphasized that the new techniques would enable police personnel to better understand crime trends, anticipate criminal activities, and respond in a timely manner to incidents of insecurity.
“The training was an important step in improving the effectiveness of our police force in the fight against crime. Our officers are now better equipped with the knowledge and tools to detect crime, respond quickly, and prevent criminal activities from taking root in our communities,” Odunlami-Omisanya said.
The Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, expressed his gratitude to the facilitators and participants of the training for their commitment and enthusiasm in ensuring the success of the program. He also stressed the importance of applying the knowledge gained from the training to daily policing activities in order to enhance crime prevention and law enforcement.
“Policing is an evolving practice, and as our techniques for detecting and preventing crime evolve, it is crucial that our officers remain professional and vigilant in their approach to their duties. The knowledge and skills acquired in this training should now be applied directly to our daily operations, ensuring that we are one step ahead in the fight against crime,” Afolabi stated.
The training program also served to reinforce the police’s commitment to improving its relationship with the community and building trust with the public. It is hoped that the combination of enhanced policing methods and continued community support will help reduce the growing problem of kidnappings and other crimes in the state.
Kidnapping has become a serious problem in Ondo State, as well as in several other parts of Nigeria. Criminal gangs have increasingly targeted wealthy individuals, including businesspeople, politicians, and even ordinary residents, demanding ransoms for their release. These kidnappers are often armed and operate with impunity, making it difficult for law enforcement to apprehend them.
The recent arrests of the 12 suspected kidnappers represent a significant victory for the police in their efforts to dismantle these criminal gangs and bring perpetrators to justice. However, experts warn that continued efforts are necessary to tackle the root causes of kidnapping, including poverty, unemployment, and inadequate policing.
The Ondo State government, in collaboration with the police, has been working to address these underlying issues by creating more jobs, improving security infrastructure, and investing in community policing initiatives. Local authorities have also called for stronger coordination between law enforcement agencies at the state and federal levels to combat organized crime.
While the arrest and arraignment of the 12 suspected kidnappers represent an important step forward, the battle against kidnapping in Ondo State is far from over. Law enforcement agencies must continue to adapt their strategies, while ensuring the safety and security of the public.
The Ondo State Police Command has vowed to keep up its efforts to tackle crime and improve security, but it remains clear that public cooperation and ongoing investment in training and resources will be essential to achieving long-term success in the fight against kidnapping and other criminal activities.
In the meantime, residents of Ondo State have been urged to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activities, and continue supporting the police in their efforts to create a safer and more secure environment for all.
