Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested a suspected kidnapping ringleader, Abdullahi Lawal, during an operation in Ondo State.
The suspect was apprehended at Aderoju Camp in Ugbe-Akoko within the Akoko Local Government Area following months of intelligence gathering and coordinated security operations.
The command disclosed that Lawal had been identified as the mastermind behind the abduction of Aremu Tijani, who was kidnapped on August 18, 2025, while working at his bush farm in the Ikare-Akoko area.
According to the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, Abayomi Jimoh, the suspect’s arrest followed sustained intelligence-led investigations by detectives.
Jimoh explained that security operatives had earlier confronted members of the criminal gang during a tactical operation that resulted in the killing of three suspects and the arrest of four others.
However, the alleged gang leader managed to escape during the confrontation after sustaining gunshot injuries.
“After months of sustained intelligence-led operations and coordinated efforts by security personnel, the suspect was eventually tracked down and arrested in Ikare-Akoko,” the police spokesperson said.
He added that the suspect has since provided useful information to investigators and will be charged to court after the completion of investigations.
The police said the arrest marks a significant step in ongoing efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks and improve security across communities in Ondo State.
