THE Ondo State Police Command has announced the arrest of 208 suspected criminals across the state within the last two months.
In a statement yesterday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the arrests followed intensified operations under the directives of Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, in collaboration with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration.
According to Ayanlade, the suspects were linked to crimes including kidnapping, murder, rape, armed robbery, cultism, car and motorcycle theft, and fraudulent property conversion.
He added that 99 of them had already been arraigned in court, with 35 convictions secured.
The PPRO highlighted some recent successes, noting that within 72 hours, operatives apprehended all suspects involved in the killing of two students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko.
Similarly, within five days, police tracked down a commercial motorcyclist who served as an informant for kidnappers in the abduction of a university staff member.
Recovered items during the operations include 25 firearms—among them prohibited rifles, cut-to-size locally made pistols, and a Beretta pistol—as well as 12 stolen vehicles.
While stressing that security is a shared responsibility, Ayanlade urged residents to remain vigilant, provide actionable intelligence, and avoid aiding criminals.
He warned that the involvement of some locals, including motorcycle operators, in violent crimes underscores the need for stronger community-police cooperation.
“The command is determined to rid Ondo State of criminality and ensure safety for all,” he said