By MUFTAU OGUNYEMI

The Police Command in Ondo State says it has foiled a bomb attempt, arrested six suspects, recovered Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) component and other exhibits in Akure, the state capital.

Mr Adebowale Lawal, Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, said this during a news conference on Thursday in Akure.

Lawal explained that the suspects were identified as Adekunle Prosper (male, 56), Ojo Olumide (male, 39), Tope Kolawole (male, 40), Ahmed Salihu (male, 40), Bolaji Adebowale (male, 46), and Gbadebo Abidemi (female, 43).

According to him, intelligence uncovered that the suspects had recently rented an apartment in the Oke-Odu Area of Akure, which they used as a base for their activities.

Lawal, who said that the arrest was made on April 15, said the achievement followed credible and actionable intelligence received by the command regarding the activities of a suspected criminal syndicate operating along state lines.

“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives were strategically deployed to the identified location, where the suspects were apprehended before they could execute their planned attack,” he said.

He said that a thorough search of the scene and subsequent operation at the suspects’ apartment resulted in the recovery of a cache of items including 217 bottles, bags of sugar and criminal charms.

“Other items include 17 mobile phones, the sum of N187,000, two HP laptops, eight slings, one knife, an external hard drive, two identity cards, one National Identity Number (NIN) card, two motorcycles, among others.

“Preliminary assessments indicate that some of these materials were intended for the construction of explosive devices, while others may have been used to facilitate coordinated criminal activities.

“Findings reveal that the group actively engaged in assembling IEDs allegedly intended for deployment on government infrastructures, with indications that their operations may extend beyond the state capital to other parts of the country.

“Notably, a document mapping out potential target locations was also recovered, suggesting a premeditated and coordinated plan.

“The timely intervention of the police undoubtedly averted what could have resulted in significant loss of lives and widespread destruction of property,” he said.

Lawal, who condemned the act, advised house owners and property managers to carry out thorough background checks on prospective tenants before renting out their apartments to prevent such premises from being used as criminal hideouts or operational bases. (NAN)

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