The Ondo State Police Command announced on Wednesday that it had arrested more than 200 suspected criminals across the state in the past two months.
Police spokesperson Olayinka Ayanlade said in a statement that the suspects were linked to offences including kidnapping, murder, rape, armed robbery, cultism, car and motorcycle theft, and fraudulent property conversion.
He noted that the feat followed intensified operations under the leadership of the state Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and with support from Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Of the 208 suspects arrested, 99 have already been arraigned, with at least 35 convictions secured.
Ayanlade added that police arrested all those involved in the killing of two Adekunle Ajasin University students within 72 hours. Similarly, officers apprehended a commercial motorcyclist who allegedly acted as an informant for kidnappers in the abduction of a university staff member, along with his gang, within five days.
The command also recovered 25 firearms, including prohibited rifles, locally fabricated pistols, and a Beretta pistol, as well as 12 stolen vehicles.
Ayanlade urged residents to remain vigilant and share intelligence with the police, warning against collusion with criminals. He stressed that security remained a shared responsibility, saying: “All hands must remain on deck to rid Ondo State of criminality and ensure a safer society for all.”