Police nab 10 kidnappers, recover ransom in Akure

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected kidnappers and recovered money to be used as ransom in Akure, the state capital.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, saying the breakthrough was achieved on Monday, February 23, 2026.

Jimoh said the arrest and ransom recovery followed a combined operation involving the command’s anti-kidnapping section.

Jimoh disclosed that the operation was carried out along Ondo Road in Akure based on credible and actionable intelligence.

He said the operation led to the arrest of 10 suspects believed to be connected to a kidnapping syndicate.

The police spokesman stated: “All the suspects apprehended are male. They include Muritala Muhammed, 22; Mustapha Adamu, 20; Usman Ibrahim, 25; Amisu Aruna, 28; Asiru Abdulasis, 20.

Couple abducted, one shot in Ondo community

“Others are Abduliu Sanni, 22; Ibrahim Suraju, 20; Noah Isiaku, 20; Abdullahi Suraju, 20, and Arabi Hamet, 18.

“During the operation, their operational motorcycle and ransom money was recovered from the suspects.

“Notably, part of the recovered cash comprised burnt currency notes, which are currently being documented as exhibits in the ongoing investigation.

“The suspects have made useful confessional statements, detailing the individual roles each played within the syndicate.

“Relevant exhibits recovered are currently being processed for comprehensive investigation and further necessary action.”

Jimoh quoted the Ondo State Commissioner of Police as reassuring residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to ridding the state of kidnapping and other heinous crimes.

The Star