By MUFTAU OGUNYEMI

The Police Command in Ondo State says it has arrested 10 suspected kidnappers and recovered money to be used as ransom in Akure.

DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the command’s Spokesperson, in a statement on Tuesday, said the breakthrough was achieved on Monday.

Jimoh said the arrest and ransom recovery followed a combined operation which involved the command’s Anti-Kidnapping section.

The spokesperson also said the operatives swiftly mobilised to locations along Ondo Road based on credible and actionable intelligence.

According to him, the intelligence-driven operation led to the arrest of 10 suspects believed to be connected to a kidnapping syndicate.

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

“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 said.

According to him, the police command is working assiduously to unravel the full scope of the syndicate’s operations, and to identify and apprehend other accomplices who may still be at large.

He also said the state Commissioner of Police (CP) reassured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to ridding the state of kidnapping and other heinous crimes.

“The CP urges members of the public to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information, as community partnership remains vital in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.

“The CP further reassures residents that the command remains resolute and is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the safety and security of lives and property throughout Ondo State.

“The command remains resolute in its mandate to protect lives and property and will not relent in bringing perpetrators of crime to justice,” the spokesperson said. (NAN)

Update news