…..begin Crackdown On Unmarked Vehicles, Okada, covered plate numbers
PRESS RELEASE
KIDNAP VICTIM RESCUED IN IKARE, THREE SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS NEUTRALIZED, TWO ARRESTED, ARMS RECOVERED
The Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, PSC+, MNIPS, wishes to inform members of the public of a successful operation that led to the rescue of a kidnapped victim, the neutralization of suspected kidnappers, the arrest of others, and the recovery of firearms.
On 20th August, 2025, at about 0800hrs, operatives of the Command attached to Ikare Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), in collaboration with local forest hunters, embarked on a discreet operation following the abduction of one Tijani Aremu ‘m’, aged 60 years. Investigation revealed that the kidnappers had demanded ransom in millions of naira from the victim’s family, with an agreed location fixed for the exchange.
Acting in cooperation with Police operatives and forest hunters, the family paved the way for an ambush to be strategically laid at the designated point of exchange. When the suspected kidnappers arrived to collect the proceeds of their crime, they were engaged in a fierce gun duel with the operatives. In the process, one of the kidnappers was neutralized and a single-barrel rifle recovered, while several others escaped with bullet injuries.
The combined team immediately intensified a combing operation in the adjoining forests, which led to the recovery of two additional lifeless bodies of suspected kidnappers, bringing the total number neutralized to three.
Furthermore, two suspects, namely Yahaya Isa ‘m’ (20 years) and Ismail Ismail ‘m’, were arrested in connection with the kidnapping. Sustained pressure during the operation eventually culminated in the safe rescue of the victim, Mr. Tijani Aremu, who was found unharmed. He was promptly taken to Hospital, for medical examination and is set to be reunited with his family.
The Ondo State Police Command appreciates the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, whose people-centered policing style, emphasis on community engagement, inter-agency cooperation, and partnership with non-state actors provided the strategic direction that made this success possible.
The Command also highly commends the forest hunters for their courage, vigilance, and selfless collaboration, which greatly complemented the effort of the Police and contributed to the eventual rescue of the victim. This operation is a clear testament to what can be achieved when security agencies and community stakeholders work hand in hand.
The Ondo State Police Command wishes to state clearly that it is working assiduously to ensure that all perpetrators of kidnapping for ransom and other violent crimes in recent times are arrested and that victims are rescued unhurt.
Members of the public are therefore urged to remain calm and to continue to support the Police through cooperation and timely information sharing. Together, we shall make Ondo State unsafe for criminals and secure for law-abiding citizens.
E- Signed
DSP AYANLADE OLAYINKA OLUSHOLA
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)
Ondo State Police Command
For: – Commissioner of Police, Ondo State
Date: 20th August, 2025
PRESS RELEASE
POLICE INTERCEPT HARD DRUGS IN IFEDORE; CP ORDERS CRACKDOWN ON UNMARKED VEHICLES, COVERED PLATE NUMBERS AND MASKED MOTORCYCLISTS
The Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Abayomi Adebowale Lawal, PSC+, MNIPS, wishes to inform members of the public of a major interception carried out by operatives of the Command.
On the 17th day of August, 2025, at about 12:15 p.m., a team of officers led by ASP Amos Ayuba, while conducting a stop-and-search operation at Ilaramokin in Ifedore Local Government Area, intercepted a vehicle conveying substantial quantities of crystal methamphetamine and other illicit drugs. The said vehicle was also discovered to be bearing a fake number plate stolen from another vehicle.
This development underscores the need for members of the public to be extra vigilant and security-conscious, as criminal elements continue to devise new tactics to conceal their activities. All suspects connected with the incident are currently in custody while investigation continues.
This success further demonstrates the critical importance of routine Police checkpoints and stop-and-search operations, which remain effective deterrents against criminal activities. It also highlights the necessity for communities to support and cooperate with the Police in order to strengthen collective security across the State.
In response to this development and other emerging security concerns, CP Adebowale Lawal has directed that henceforth:
All unmarked vehicles (without registration numbers),
Vehicles or motorcycles bearing covered plate numbers, Dealer’s numbers, or NANS (National Association of Nigeria Students) numbers without authorization, and Persons who wear hoods or cover their faces with masks while riding motorcycles should be promptly arrested, their motorcycles or vehicles impounded, and the suspects charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
Earlier today, the Commissioner of Police met with representatives and leadership of commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders) across the State to sensitize them on these new directives.
During the meeting, he warned that anyone caught breaking the law or using motorcycles as cover for illicit activities will face the full wrath of the law. In furtherance of collaboration, the CP shared his personal contact with the leadership of the union to encourage direct flow of credible information, assuring them of maximum confidentiality and swift action on intelligence received.
This proactive measure has become imperative in view of intelligence at the Command’s disposal, which indicates that certain criminal elements are infiltrating communities using unmarked vehicles, fake plate numbers, and disguised motorcyclists to evade detection and perpetrate crimes.
The Command assures the good people of Ondo State that it will remain unrelenting in its commitment to rid the State of crime, in line with the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, which emphasizes proactive policing, intelligence-led operations, and citizens’ partnership in security management.
The Command therefore calls on all residents to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and security-conscious, while promptly reporting suspicious movements or activities to the nearest Police Station, Security Post, or through our emergency helplines. Together, we shall ensure that Ondo State remains peaceful and secure.
The Commissioner of Police appreciates the continued cooperation of the public and assures that the Command, under his watch, will continue to uphold discipline, professionalism, and accountability in line with the mission and vision of the Inspector-General of Police.
E- Signed
DSP AYANLADE OLAYINKA OLUSHOLA
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)
Ondo State Police Command
For: – Commissioner of Police, Ondo State
