The police command in Ondo says it has apprehended a suspected member of a notorious kidnap syndicate terrorising travellers on highways in the South-West. 

The suspect, Abdullahi Ibrahim, 20, was arrested in Ore, the headquarters of Odigbo LGA, according to a statement on Sunday by the command’s spokesman, Olayinka Ayanlade.

Mr Ayanlade disclosed that the suspect allegedly made confessional statements and was assisting the security agencies in an effort to track other members of his gang. 

“Upon interrogation, the suspect (Mr Ibrahim) made a confessional statement admitting to being part of a kidnapping gang responsible for several abductions along the Benin-Ore Expressway as well as other criminal activities on the Sagamu-Lagos Expressway. 

“He further confessed that the gang’s operations cut across several states in the southern region of Nigeria, operating strategically along state lines to evade detection,” the police said. 

According to the statement, the suspect’s confession provided valuable leads that guided operatives of the State Anti-Kidnapping Section, Akure, to Benin City, Edo, where two other suspects linked to the syndicate were arrested. 

He added that the suspects are currently in custody and assisting investigators with information aimed at tracking down other fleeing members of the gang believed to be operating between Lagos and Edo States. 

However, police commissioner Adebowale Lawal lauded the officers for their professionalism and diligence, assuring the public that the police command remains resolute in its determination to rid the state of violent criminals. 

Mr Lawal, however, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.