The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper and successfully rescued a couple who were abducted from their farm settlement in the Itaogbolu area of Akure North Local Government.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the operation was carried out in the early hours of Monday at about 5:30 a.m.
According to him, the victims—identified as Mr. David and his wife, residents of Akure—were attacked and taken from their farm hut located around Odeigede Camp along the Ondo–Ekiti border.
Ayanlade said the Commissioner of Police immediately directed that all operational units be mobilised to secure the victims’ release, a move that set off a coordinated search involving officers from the Iju–Itaogbolu Division, the State Anti-Kidnapping Squad (SAKS), and youths from the host community.
“As pressure mounted on the kidnappers, they were forced to abandon the victims,” he said.
He added that the husband, who sustained machete injuries, managed to escape with his wife before being rescued by the advancing police team.
The police spokesperson explained that security operatives continued combing the forest using intelligence gathered from the victims and community sources.
Their efforts led them to a hut where one of the suspected kidnappers was apprehended.
Recovered items include a Samsung Note 10, a sword, and a broken bottle, which the suspect allegedly carried during the abduction.
Though the kidnappers were masked, Ayanlade said the victims positively identified the arrested suspect through his physical build and appearance.
He is currently assisting investigators with useful information as efforts intensify to track down his accomplices.
The Commissioner of Police commended the joint efforts of the Iju–Itaogbolu Division, SAKS operatives, and community youths, stating that their cooperation was instrumental to the rescue operation.
The command also issued a stern warning to criminal gangs operating around state borders, declaring that Ondo State would not tolerate any form of violent crime or harbour criminals seeking refuge in remote communities.
“The command urges residents to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and cooperative as we continue to strengthen security across the state,” Ayanlade said.
