Police establish tactical team in Ondo community to curb kidnapping
The Ondo State Police Command has intensified its efforts against kidnapping and violent crimes by establishing a Tactical Team Base in Ilu-Abo, following rising security concerns along the Ilu-Abo, Ayede, and Ogbese axis.
The move was confirmed in a statement on Tuesday signed by Police Public Relations Officer DSP Abayomi Jimoh.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, who visited the community on March 10, assured residents that the Command is committed to safeguarding lives and property.
“The Command is fully aware of your grievances, and we are taking proactive steps to address the prevailing security challenges in the area,” Lawal said while addressing protesters.
He urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that “the Police and other security agencies are working tirelessly to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of all residents.”
According to the statement, the newly deployed tactical team consists of specially trained operatives drawn from the Command’s elite units, including anti-kidnapping squads and tactical formations.
The team will operate 24 hours daily, conducting intensive patrols, surveillance operations, intelligence gathering, and coordinated actions across Ilu-Abo, Ayede, Ogbese, and neighbouring communities.
CP Lawal also directed all Divisional Police Officers in the affected axis to collaborate with the tactical team, local vigilantes, hunters, and other community-based security stakeholders.
“This coordinated approach will ensure effective intelligence sharing and prompt response to security concerns,” the statement noted.
To dismantle criminal networks, the Police Command has intensified joint security operations, stop-and-search exercises, forest combing, and intelligence-led raids targeting suspected kidnapping hideouts.
“These measures are designed to prevent criminals from using the terrain as safe havens,” the release added.
Residents are encouraged to provide credible and actionable information.
“All information received will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” the Command reassured. The statement emphasised that kidnapping and violent crimes will not be tolerated anywhere in Ondo State and that decisive actions will continue to bring perpetrators to justice.
“Residents are also advised to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movement or activities within their communities to the nearest Police Station or through the Command’s emergency lines,” the statement concluded.
