JUST IN: ONDO POLICE ARREST INTERSTATE ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECTS, RECOVER AK-47, PISTOL; FOIL VIOLENT LAND CLASH

ONDO POLICE ARREST INTERSTATE ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECTS, RECOVER AK-47, PISTOL; FOIL VIOLENT LAND CLASH

The Ondo State Police Command has announced major breakthroughs in its ongoing fight against crime, including the arrest of three suspected members of a notorious interstate armed robbery syndicate and the prevention of a violent land dispute that led to the arrest of seven suspects.

The achievements were disclosed on Monday during a press briefing by the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Felix Ohagwu, PSC, MNIPS, MSPSP, who highlighted the Command's operational successes since assuming office as the 47th Commissioner of Police in the state.

The Police Commissioner attributed the successes to intelligence-led policing, proactive security strategies, and the dedication of officers and personnel of the Command. He also appreciated the support of Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for strengthening security operations in the state.

According to the Command, operatives arrested three suspected members of an interstate armed robbery syndicate identified as Promise Daniel (34), Ifeanyi Umahi (29), and Adaramoye Abayomi (37) during an intelligence-driven operation on July 18, 2026.

The suspects were arrested in connection with an armed robbery case reported on June 14, 2026, at Iju Division, Ita-Ogbolu, in Akure North Local Government Area.

Police said the suspects were intercepted while travelling in an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz ML 350 SUV, during which officers recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine loaded with 18 rounds of live ammunition, one English-made Beretta pistol loaded with four rounds of live ammunition, one UTC axe, and one iron cutter.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects belong to a notorious armed robbery syndicate allegedly responsible for a series of violent robberies across Ondo and Lagos states. The Command added that the suspects made confessional statements that are assisting investigators in tracking other members of the gang.

In a separate operation, the Police said they prevented what could have escalated into a deadly confrontation arising from a land dispute at Adegbiji, via Kajola, on July 18, 2026.

According to the Command, the dispute involved Akinsulu Titus and Ajani Abiodun, who are parties to an ongoing land case before the High Court sitting in Ore.

Investigators revealed that both parties allegedly arrived at the disputed farmland with supporters, including commercial motorcycle riders and three individuals alleged to be soldiers who are currently at large. The disagreement reportedly escalated into violence after allegations of the destruction of palm trees and other economic crops.

Police operatives responded swiftly to the scene, restored order, and recovered a yellow bag containing two locally made guns, two cutlasses, suspected charms, a rubber container labelled "Acid," and other dangerous weapons.

The Command confirmed that seven suspects have been arrested, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects. The case has been transferred to the Command Surveillance Squad, Akure, for further investigation.

CP Ohagwu warned individuals involved in civil disputes, especially matters already before competent courts, against taking the law into their own hands. He urged residents to seek lawful means of resolving disputes and assured that anyone found culpable after investigations would be prosecuted.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command's commitment to protecting lives and property across Ondo State and appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that will aid crime prevention.