The Ondo State Police Command has stepped up efforts to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes by establishing a Tactical Team Base in Ilu-Abo, following increasing security concerns along the Ilu-Abo, Ayede, and Ogbese corridor.
This development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, visited the community on March 10 and assured residents that the command remains committed to protecting lives and property.
“The Command is fully aware of your grievances, and we are taking proactive steps to address the prevailing security challenges in the area,” Lawal said while addressing protesting residents.
He appealed to members of the community to remain peaceful and law-abiding, noting that “the Police and other security agencies are working tirelessly to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of all residents.”
According to the statement, the newly deployed tactical team is made up of specially trained officers drawn from elite units of the command, including anti-kidnapping squads and other tactical formations.
The operatives will run round-the-clock operations, carrying out patrols, surveillance, intelligence gathering and coordinated security actions across Ilu-Abo, Ayede, Ogbese and surrounding communities.
Lawal also instructed all Divisional Police Officers in the affected areas to work closely with the tactical team, local vigilantes, hunters and other community-based security groups.
“This coordinated approach will ensure effective intelligence sharing and prompt response to security concerns,” the statement noted.
To disrupt criminal networks, the police command has intensified joint security operations, stop-and-search exercises, forest combing and intelligence-driven raids targeting suspected kidnapping hideouts.
“These measures are designed to prevent criminals from using the terrain as safe havens,” the release added.
Residents were also urged to provide useful and reliable information to security agencies.
“All information received will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” the command assured, adding that kidnapping and violent crimes would not be tolerated anywhere in Ondo State and that firm actions would continue to ensure offenders are brought to justice.
“Residents are also advised to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movement or activities within their communities to the nearest Police Station or through the Command’s emergency lines,” the statement concluded.