The Ondo State Police Command has foiled a planned bomb attack in Akure, the Ondo State capital, arresting 16 suspects linked to various criminal activities across the state.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing journalists on recent security operations carried out by the command. He said six of the suspects were directly involved in a plot to bomb government facilities, while the remaining 10 were arrested for alleged involvement in cult-related activities.
According to Lawal, the breakthrough came after the police received credible intelligence about the activities of a suspected criminal group operating within and beyond the state.
“The command recorded a major operational breakthrough with the successful foiling of a planned bomb attack in Akure,” he said. “The operation led to the arrest of six suspects and the recovery of materials suspected to be components for the fabrication of improvised explosive devices.”
The arrests were made on April 15, 2026, following a carefully coordinated operation by police operatives. Acting on intelligence reports, security personnel were deployed to a specific location in Akure, where the suspects were apprehended before they could carry out their planned attack.
Police investigations revealed that the suspects had allegedly been working on assembling improvised explosive devices (IEDs) intended for attacks on government infrastructure in the state. Lawal explained that the group had recently rented an apartment in the Oke-Odu area of Akure, which they reportedly used as their operational base.
A search conducted at the location and the suspects’ residence led to the recovery of several items believed to be linked to the planned attack. Among the items recovered were 217 bottles, a bag of sugar, suspected charms, 17 mobile phones, N187,000 in cash, two HP laptops, eight slings, a knife, an external hard drive, identity cards including a National Identity Number card, and two motorcycles.
The police boss said these items are currently being analysed as part of ongoing investigations to uncover the full extent of the suspects’ activities and possible connections to other criminal networks.
He identified some of the suspects as Adekunle Prosper, 56; Ojo Olumide, 39; Tope Kolawole, 40; Ahmed Salihu, 40; Bolaji Adebowale, 46; and Gbadebo Abidemi, 43.
Lawal added that preliminary findings indicated the group had a clear and coordinated plan, noting that a document detailing potential targets was also recovered during the operation. This, he said, showed that the planned attack was not random but carefully organised.
“Further intelligence revealed that a document detailing potential targets was recovered, suggesting a premeditated and coordinated plan,” he said. “The timely intervention of the police averted what could have resulted in significant loss of lives and destruction of property.”
Ondo State, like many other states in the South-West, has in recent years faced challenges related to cultism, kidnapping, and other forms of violent crime. Akure, as the state capital, has also witnessed increased security presence as authorities work to prevent attacks on public institutions and maintain peace.
The arrest of the 10 other suspects linked to cult activities further reflects ongoing efforts by the police to clamp down on criminal groups that often contribute to violence and instability in the region. Cult clashes have been known to cause deaths and injuries, particularly among young people, and have remained a concern for residents.
Residents of Akure have expressed relief over the development, noting that a successful bomb attack could have had serious consequences for the city. Many said the police action has helped to restore confidence in the security agencies.
A local resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “We are grateful to the police for acting quickly. If this had happened, it would have been very bad for Akure. We hope they continue to stay alert.”
The police command has assured residents that efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the suspected syndicate who may still be at large. Lawal said the command remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.
He also called on members of the public to continue to support security agencies by providing timely and useful information that can help prevent crime.
“We urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities in their communities,” he said. “Security is a collective responsibility.”
The suspects are expected to be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
The latest development comes amid renewed calls for stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities to address emerging threats. Analysts say early detection and quick response, as seen in this case, remain key to preventing major security incidents.