According to the command, the suspects were allegedly involved in offences including kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, theft, cultism and vandalism, among others
The Ondo State Police Command on Friday announced that it arrested no fewer than 2,500 suspected criminals across the state’s 18 local government areas in 2025.
According to the command, the suspects were allegedly involved in offences including kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, theft, cultism and vandalism, among others.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Adebowale Lawal, disclosed this in a statement, stressing that the command remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property and promoting the prosperity of the people of Ondo State.
Providing a breakdown of the arrests, Lawal said 250 suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of substances suspected to be hard drugs; 49 for armed robbery; 85 for kidnapping; 407 for vandalism and stealing; 365 for cultism; and 50 for murder. He added that 1,434 others were arrested for various other offences.
He noted that several items were recovered from the suspects, including stolen vehicles, arms and ammunition, as well as forged documents.
The police commissioner attributed the gains recorded to the collective efforts of other security agencies operating in the state, which he said had contributed to a safer environment and a noticeable decline in high-impact crimes, thereby creating conditions conducive to sustainable social and economic development.
Lawal emphasised that security is a collective responsibility and urged residents to continue supporting the police by providing credible and actionable information that could help prevent crimes before they occur.
He also disclosed that the command lost some officers during the year under review.
“While reflecting soberly on the year under review, the command remembers with a deep sense of loss the officers who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. We lost some personnel during active service in the course of the year,” he said.
“They were gallant, dedicated and courageous officers whose sacrifices will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers remain with their families, and we pray that God grants them eternal rest and the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
“I wish to reassure the good people of Ondo State of our unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property. The command remains resolute in consolidating these gains and will not relent in its fight against crime in all its forms.”
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