By Temidayo Odobi
Ondo State Police Command has arrested five suspected kidnappers allegedly involved in the abduction of two school children in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects were apprehended by the Command’s Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad following an intensive intelligence-led investigation that also led to the recovery of suspected ransom proceeds and a motorcycle allegedly used for the operation.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday in Akure, describing the arrest as a major breakthrough in the Command’s ongoing crackdown on kidnapping and violent crimes across the state.

According to the statement, the case was reported on May 12, 2026, by Andrew Yohana of Jerry Sawmill Area, Ore, who informed the Police that his two sons, Jehu, 10, and Yohana, 5, were kidnapped on their way to school by unknown persons.

The Police said detectives immediately swung into action after receiving the report, launching coordinated investigations, surveillance and tracking operations to uncover those behind the abduction.

“Through painstaking technical intelligence, tracking analysis, and coordinated investigative efforts, operatives were able to uncover the identities and locations of the suspects. The investigation led to the arrest of two principal suspects identified as Taofeek Lukman, 23, and Blessing Saturday, 27, around the Alaba area of Ore.

"During the operation, detectives recovered the sum of N251,000 suspected to be part of the ransom allegedly collected from the family before the victims were released."

Police further disclosed that operatives later stormed another hideout linked to the suspects where they recovered an unregistered lady motorcycle believed to have been used in perpetrating the crime.

"Further investigations exposed other suspected members of the syndicate identified as Peter Moses, 25, Sunday Isaac, 23, and Sanusi Dan Asabe, 37."

Jimoh said the suspects had made confessional statements detailing the roles they allegedly played in the kidnapping, adding that they would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

He added that efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang and recover additional exhibits connected with the crime.

Commending the operatives for the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Felix Ohagwu, praised the professionalism and intelligence-driven approach of the anti-kidnapping squad.
“The Command remains unwavering in its commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes in every part of the State,” the CP said.

Ohagwu also commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his sustained support, strategic leadership and investment in intelligence-led policing across the country.

The CP reassured residents of the state of the Command’s resolve to ensure the safety of lives and property, while warning criminal elements to desist from unlawful activities or face the full weight of the law.

He also urged members of the public to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information capable of aiding efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.