Ondo Police 2025 arrests total 2,500 suspects for crimes including robbery, kidnapping, and cultism, with weapons and stolen items recovered

The Ondo State Police Command announced on Friday that it arrested at least 2,500 suspected criminals across the state’s 18 local government areas in 2025, in a wide-ranging crackdown on crime.

Also read: Amotekun Arrests 39 Suspects Fleeing Sokoto to Ondo Forests

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Adebowale Lawal, revealed that the suspects were allegedly involved in kidnapping, robbery, murder, stealing, cultism, vandalism, and other criminal activities.

A detailed breakdown showed that 250 individuals were arrested for unlawful possession of substances suspected to be hard drugs, 49 for armed robbery, 85 for kidnapping, 407 for vandalism and theft, 365 for cultism, 50 for murder, and 1,434 for other unspecified offences.

Mr Lawal stated that items recovered from the suspects included stolen vehicles, arms and ammunition, and forged documents, highlighting the command’s commitment to restoring security across the state.

“The collective efforts of other security agencies have contributed significantly to a safer environment and a measurable decline in high-impact crimes, creating conditions conducive to sustainable social and economic development,” the commissioner said.

He urged citizens to remain vigilant and provide credible, actionable information to help prevent crime before it occurs, emphasising that security is a collective responsibility.

Reflecting on the year, Mr Lawal paid tribute to officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, describing them as “gallant, dedicated, and courageous.”

He extended condolences to their families, while reaffirming the command’s determination to continue its fight against crime.

Also read: Ondo Policeman Stabbed to Death in Akure

“The Ondo State Police Command remains resolute in consolidating these gains and will not relent in tackling crime in all its forms,” he added.