Ondo Police Uncover Explosives Cell, Nab Six Suspects

Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have dismantled a suspected terrorist cell and arrested six individuals in connection with a planned bomb attack on government infrastructure in Akure, the state capital.

The breakthrough, which occurred on April 15, 2026, followed credible intelligence received by the Command regarding a criminal syndicate operating across state lines. Acting on the tip-off, police operatives were deployed to a targeted location where the suspects were apprehended before they could execute their planned assault.

A subsequent search of the suspects’ apartment in the Oke-Odu area of Akure – reportedly rented only recently – yielded a significant cache of materials. Recovered items included 217 bottles, a bag of sugar, criminal charms, 17 mobile phones, ₦187,000 in cash, two HP laptops, eight slings, one knife, an external hard drive, two identity cards, a National Identification Number card, and two motorcycles.

Preliminary forensic assessments indicate that some of the seized materials were intended for the construction of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

The suspects have been identified as Adekunle Prosper, 56; Ojo Olumide, 39; Tope Kolawole, 40; Ahmed Salihu, 40; Bolaji Adebowale, 46; and Gbadebo Abidemi, 43, the sole female among the group.

Investigators have also recovered a document allegedly mapping out potential target locations, suggesting a premeditated and coordinated plan that may extend beyond the state capital to other parts of the country.

The Ondo State Police Command described the operation as a major operational breakthrough that averted what could have resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction of property.

In a statement, the Command strongly condemned the plot and issued an advisory to property owners and managers, urging them to conduct thorough background checks on prospective tenants to prevent premises from being used as criminal hideouts.

Investigations are ongoing.