The police in Ondo State arrested seven suspected kidnappers, and rescued one victim between February 13 and 15 at various places across the state.

The state Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, made the disclosure while speaking with journalists in Akure.

Mr Afolabi, who said that the arrest followed the intelligence gathering and used of technical support, explained that those arrested were aged between 20 and 40 years.

According to him, one of the suspects, Aminu, was arrested on February 13  at Akure Garage in the Ikare-Akoko, Akoko North East Local Government Area of the state.

He stated, “This led to the arrest of another 25 year-old man, Abdullah Abubakar. In another operation that took place between February 14 and 15, four other suspects were arrested by the tactical team who had been on their trail.

“Those arrested are Yusuf Saidu ‘m’ 22, Nafiu Ibrahim ‘m’ 32, Mohammed Anas ‘m’ 20, and Kabiru Mohammed ‘m’ 24.

“Also in Ipele, Owo local government, a woman was abducted by unknown gunmen in her house. The police and youths of the town mobilised and immediately trailed the footpaths of the suspects.

“Their effort yielded positive results as they were able to rescue the woman and while searching for the assailants, they recovered an AK 49 rifle at the scene of the rescue.

“Subsequently, through intelligence-led policing one of the suspects, Yusuf Suleiman ‘m’ aged 27years, was arrested,” he said.

Mr Afolabi explained further that a 40- year-old ex-convict, Ishaku Abdul, was also arrested by the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad (SAKS) based on a tip off.

According to the CP, the ex-convict was recently released from the correctional centre, but neighbours suspected him of being complicit in the recent uprising of criminal activities in the area.

“The ex-convict was arrested at Aladura camp Oke-Oge, Osi, the area where recent kidnappings occured.

“Meanwhile, all these suspects have been on the police wanted list,” Mr Afolabi said. 

(NAN)