Ondo Police Arrest Four Suspected Kidnappers Linked To Ilu-Abo Attack
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The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate linked to a recent violent attack in Ilu-Abo community, Ondo State.
The arrests followed intelligence-driven operations launched by the Command after a January 25, 2026 incident in which armed assailants attacked residents at Liberty Avenue, Ilu-Abo. During the attack, one resident was shot, another abducted, while two others sustained injuries.
According to the Police, a breakthrough came on Thursday, January 29, 2026, when vigilant members of the Ilu-Abo community apprehended a suspect, identified as Abenaguna Muhammad, who was allegedly found in possession of criminal charms. He was immediately handed over to police operatives for investigation.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to being a member of a kidnapping syndicate operating along the Ala/Ilu-Abo axis and to having participated in the recent attack. He further disclosed the identities of other members of the gang, including the alleged leader, one Lanre, popularly known as “Lanre Tomato,” alongside two others identified as Ojo and Pius.
Police sources said the arrests were the result of reinforced tactical deployments, enhanced intelligence gathering, and close community collaboration following the Ilu-Abo incident. The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Adebowale Lawal, was also said to have conducted an on-the-spot assessment as part of the immediate response.
The suspects are currently in police custody, while investigations continue to recover exhibits, uncover additional criminal links, and ensure diligent prosecution.
Commending the role of the community, CP Lawal praised residents of Ilu-Abo for their vigilance and timely cooperation, describing their action as a clear demonstration of effective community policing and partnership in crime prevention.
The Police Commissioner also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for what he described as visionary leadership and strategic reforms that have strengthened intelligence sharing and operational efficiency nationwide.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to community policing and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies through structured vigilante services and prompt information sharing. CP Lawal further emphasized that inter-agency collaboration, including cooperation with non-conventional security outfits, remains critical in the fight against kidnapping and other organised crimes in Ondo State.
The Police encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities through established communication channels as efforts to curb violent crime across the state continue.
